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On the 10th Anniversary of the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001, we must remember the innocent people who lost their lives on that day, thank the everyday heroes who helped our recovery, and honor the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. But the 10th Anniversary is also an opportunity to show the world that we will not be defined by those attacks. We are and should be a nation defined by July 4th - not by September 11th.
September 11, 2001 was a tragic day. The senseless attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and attempted to shatter America's strength. But instead of letting these attacks hold us back, an intense spirit and pride unified the America people following the awful tragedy. Our firefighters, police officers, and first responders joined the rescue and recovery effort without hesitation. Americans of all backgrounds came together selflessly in support of our country and were compelled to serve their neighbors and communities.
This pride in our country is exactly what our country was founded on, on July 4th over two centuries ago. We are a nation of hope and opportunity, with an unwavering American spirit. We are not a nation defined by fear.
Just as we have not let terrorism overturn our way of life, we must not let the attacks of September 11th define us as a nation. Our country was built on freedom and opportunity. The accomplishments of America exhibit hard work and great nationalism. Let's get back to celebrating the heritage of America and the ideals by which our country was founded. We must recapture the American spirit that unified us after those attacks and show the world that we are a country not defined by our challenges but defined by our accomplishments. That we are still a strong, determined nation filled with hope and optimism and willing to stand up and fight for the values and freedoms that make us great.
The 10th Anniversary of 9/11 is a time to remember what happened but also a time to redefine America. Let's make it known that no matter what challenges we face, we still can be unified, optimistic and determined to succeed, a nation that may remember September 11th but aspires to the ideals of July 4th.