CAMP H.M. Smith, Hawaii –
1. On this important
day, we pause to remember the events of fourteen years ago when nineteen men
turned four commercial aircraft into guided missiles loaded with over 11,000
gallons of fuel. These terrorists defeated all of our aviation security
layers to attack our homeland and killed nearly 3,000 men, women, and
children. It was a day none of us will forget; indeed, must not
forget. Today, we remember those we lost in New York City, Somerset
County, and the Pentagon. Today, we remember the heroes who answered the
call, many sacrificing their lives so others might live. Today, we
remember the courage and selflessness displayed by those first responders who
ran toward the devastation to help their fellow citizens. And today, we
remember that no American is an island; we are united by our love for this
great republic.
2. Our history is
riddled with lessons learned and unlearned; we must remember the lessons from
that fateful day 14 years ago. We must be ever vigilant. There will
always be people who want to do America harm. They will be patient and
they will wait for us to let down our guard. So as we commemorate
September 11th, let us remember that our military’s mission is to
always be ready. We must do everything possible to ensure our nation’s
battles are fought far away from our shores, that is why we are, and must
remain, a globally deployed force, ready to fight tonight.
3. Never forget
9/11. Admiral Harris sends -