As solemn and sad as it was to watch, I found a strange comfort in the television coverage marking the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. There were commemorative ceremonies at all three locations of the Islamist terrorist attacks.
Listening to the respectful recitation of thousands of victims' names at Ground Zero by loved ones, and hearing their heartfelt words of remembrance, I realize how fresh this horrific event remains in America's collective mind. The cherished memories of 9/11's thousands of victims ripple directly into many tens of thousands of lives--family members, loved ones, friends, neighbors, coworkers. These thousands in turn touch the many millions of Americans who still believe in our nation's founding values and principles and in our inherent strength and goodness. Watching the coverage offered a bright ray of hope in the midst of a dark and dangerous time in our national history.
Like biblical demons, the numbers of America's enemies both foreign and especially domestic are legion. But I think the numbers of loyal Americans who love our country are greater. More than they would ever give to us, I offer this fair warning to America's enemies:
We, the American people, will never forget 9/11. We will always remember our overwhelming loss and our unified strength in its wake. In our individual, quiet ways we will fight your efforts to destroy our nation. Count on it.
On this sacred day of vivid remembrance, I say this to our many enemies: You've got your work cut out for you. Watching my fellow Americans so sincerely commemorate the 20th anniversary of this tragic day fills me with a calming certainty.
You are going to lose.
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| New York City 9/11 Commemoration |
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| Pentagon 9/11 Memorial - Washington DC |
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| Flight 93 9/11 Memorial - Shanksville, PA |
