A day of mouring and ispiration

September 11, is not only a day of mourning for Americans but it is also a day of inspiration. Ten years ago, on September 11, 2001, 3,947 people were killed in an attack on our country, by Islamic Extremists. This unprecedented attack on Americans generated a worldwide war on terror that we continue to fight today. This is a war that we started to win on the very day of the attacks. I’m sure that the perpetrators of the attack on our country were very unpleasantly surprised to see that Americans did not and do not cower. We fought back without hesitation and many, knowingly, made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to come to the aid of their fellow Americans. On that day, America, once again, showed its true metal and we continued to do so in its aftermath. A record number of young men and women enlisted in the armed forces to protect America and many of them have given their lives or have been gravely wounded so that the American way of life will continue.

In this past decade, we have had our setbacks. The war on terror has reshaped America in many ways. We have sacrificed much of our freedoms in the name of “keeping America safe,” and we have become, in many respects, a country divided. We grow tired of fighting and sacrificing and we want peace. But, we must remember that there is a difference between peace and defeat. Peace requires a “middle ground” between enemies and as long as the creed of Islamic extremists includes “killing Americans,” we will not have peace. This leaves only defeat, either ours or theirs, and defeat has never been an option for Americans.

Yes, we remain divided on many issues like the morality of war, its economic impact, the loss of our freedoms and the cost in human lives. Even though we don’t agree on the methods, we all share one important patriotic belief – the idea of America and that we will not go quietly. What started as anger has transformed to determination and we will preserve America for our children and for their children. Our resolve will not falter.

You may have noticed that I made no mention of the names of the attackers, their organization(s) or their leadership. I will not honor them by repeating their names on this day, but rather, my thoughts and thanks go out to the brave men and women of our armed forces and the victims and heroes of 9/11 as well as to all of their families. God bless them and God bless America.