September 11th, 2001 is a day that we will never forget. We remember where we were. We remember how we felt, and we remember and honor the innocent lives lost as well as the brave first responders and the volunteers who died putting others' lives before their own.

It was a horrible day in our nation's history. But we came together as a country to push forward. It was tough, but we kept going. And we took steps to prevent future attacks from happening. We strengthened our homeland security. We increased efforts to combat terrorism domestically and abroad. And we came together in the spirit of community to remain vigilant and to vow that we will never forget.

Today, despite the economic troubles we are facing, we remain a country that is strong and full of potential. Our strength comes from the hope, faith, and resolve of the American people. We have the greatest workers, innovators, and can do spirit that will lift us past our current challenges, just like we did nine fateful years ago.

As we look back, we remember the thousands of innocent Americans who lost their lives that day. We honor the heroic service and actions of the first responders, law enforcement personnel, volunteers, and others who made the ultimate sacrifice to aid victims that day. And we continue to pray for the service members and others that continue to this day to put our country and the wellbeing of others before themselves.

I believe that our best days are ahead of us. I remain confident that the events we faced then, the concerns we face now and the challenges that have yet to come make us stronger as a people. We have a proud tradition of coming together as a country to support each other during trying times. This is a time that we remember and reflect. But we can also rededicate ourselves to the spirit of community, the optimism, and the strength that makes our country what it is.

Michael Michaud