On this date eight years ago, this nation was shocked to it's core by a suicide attack perpetrated by members of the Islamic terrorist group Al-Qaida. Since then, largely due to the efforts of thousands of men and women in various branches of the government, we have thankfully not suffered a repeat attack, even though Al-Qaida has tried to do so over and over and over again.
We have one man that we can thank for exhibiting true leadership in keeping our nation safe, and that is former President George W. Bush. Without his decisiveness in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism, I do not know if we would have avoided another attack, or even multiple attacks. To President Bush I say a heartfelt thank you for doing what you knew had to be done, regardless of the personal cost you knew you were going to pay.
To those thousands of men and women in the various branches of government, both civilian and military, who have fought the good fight to keep America safe, I also say thank you. You will never know how much what you have done, and are still doing, means to me and countless others who are able to continue living their daily lives in our great nation.
To those families who lost loved ones on that fateful day in 2001, my heart goes out to you yet again, as we observe - both publicly and privately - a national day of mourning. I also want to say thank you for fighting to ensure that proper memorials to the events of that day, and the lives lost, are erected in New York City, Washington DC, and that lonely field in Pennsylvania.
To the first responders who put their lives on the line that day - with many also losing their lives in the line of duty that day - to the cops, firefighters, EMT's and other medical personnel, and ordinary citizens who felt compelled to do something to help, I also want to say thank you for your selflessness and your bravery. There aren't many who would have done what you did, and that makes you a special breed, and we are all truly blessed that such folks as you step up and move forward when others fall back.
To continue to honor those directly involved in this tragedy, and as a reminder of what could happen again, I call on all Americans to never forget!
