Let me say how extraordinary these last two months as Commissioner of Customs have been for me. There are many things that stand out in my mind in the first sixty days of my tenure as Commissioner.

Of course, none of us will ever forget the atrocities of September 11 and their aftermath. They have defined the work of this agency since that dark day, and they will define all that is to come for the foreseeable future as we re-chart our mission to defend America from a terrorist threat.

But beyond that incredible tragedy, what has made this time truly memorable for me are the people of this agency, their response to crisis, and their constant dedication to the mission of the U.S. Customs Service, no matter the challenges they face.

That begins with our Customs employees in New York City, who carried on their work so courageously after narrowly escaping the falling wreckage of the World Trade Center, and the destruction of our U.S. Customhouse on September 11.

Within hours, those employees had our New York office back up and running at a secure location. And within three weeks, they had it permanently relocated into new office space.

That is a remarkable achievement by any standard.

Their perseverance and sheer determination to help each other through tragedy and to sustain our operations were truly inspiring.

Today, we honor a group of New York employees whose bravery was nothing short of heroic.

Some ensured the safety of their own colleagues amidst disaster.

Some secured highly sensitive criminal evidence and property crucial to the Customs Service.

Others risked their lives to help the distraught and the wounded in the streets outside.

To me, those employees' actions stand as a symbol of the proud spirit of this entire agency; a spirit that has been reflected not just in New York City, but by Customs employees across the country who have answered the call to protect America in the days and weeks since September 11.

Indeed, we could present awards to everyone serving on our frontlines who has worked so hard to maintain the integrity of our borders and sustain our Level 1 security alert.

Customs employees throughout our country have pushed themselves to the limit, and made great sacrifices, in their efforts to restore peace and security to a troubled land.

Our inspectors and canine enforcement officers have been working 12-to 16-hour days, six to seven days a week, to ensure the continued safe and smooth flow of people and goods across our borders, and to prevent the implements of terrorism from entering our country.

Our special agents and intelligence analysts have fanned out across the nation, developing leads on terrorist cells, identifying and seizing terrorist assets, and gathering information in the global fight against the forces of terror.

Our pilots and marine enforcement officers have kept their vigilant watch over America's skies and seas.

Our teams of import and entry specialists and auditors have helped to keep America moving, by working closely with the trade community.

Our administrative and technical support people are providing the backbone for the enhanced level of operations we are engaged in across the country.

That includes everyone here at Headquarters, all of you who make it possible to keep this incredibly diverse and complex agency together.

And let me cite the outstanding work of our senior managers, who have been asked to do even more in the current crisis, with the same level of resources, and have delivered for the Customs Service and our country.

I am proud to be your Commissioner, and to lead such a fine organization of professionals.

While the response to September 11 has been our top priority, the fact is that this year, as in years past, we have no shortage of achievements to celebrate across the many different facets of our mission.

Despite our focus on shielding America from terrorism, we must and will carry on with our other, core responsibilities, including:

• Protecting our nation from illegal drugs
• Defending our children from predators on the Internet;
• Facilitating the commerce so crucial to our national and world economy;
• Developing the world-class tools and technology that will further our mission;
• Providing the best in service to our customers; and
• Setting the standards for fairness and professionalism in the workplace.

Today, we honor those who symbolize the excellence of America's oldest law enforcement agency along these crucial fronts as well.

They include the men and women of Operation Blue Orchid and their Russian law enforcement partners, who brought down a despicable ring of child pornographers operating overseas.

They are employees such as Senior Special Agent David Wilhelm, whose single-handed determination resulted in the dismantlement of eight drug smuggling organizations, and the seizure of over 9 tons of marijuana and $2 million in ill-gotten proceeds.

They are the outstanding team from the Office of Field Operations who developed the Customs Automated Forms Entry System, or CAFES, which has saved our agency and the trade community millions of dollars in costs and much needed labor time.

They are the members of the Customs BRASS team in St. Albans, Vermont, whose dedicated efforts saved millions in potential lost revenues for a major importer after the company experienced a sudden change in operations.

They are the committed men and women of our EEO staff in Long Beach, California, who have done so much to instill the values of tolerance and diversity in the workplace, and enhance career development for their fellow employees.

Let us remember that the Customs Service is not just a part of our federal government. It is woven into the fabric of cities, towns, and border regions across America. It is an important part of people's lives in many places.

Today, we honor those who have enriched our relationship with local communities, and given of themselves to help others in need.

They are Customs employees such as Ben Davis, who offers his time and support to aid battered women and children in Houston…

And Michael Maillard, of Cleveland, a mentor to young students who works to break down the barriers of race.

And Senior Special Agent Zach Mann, who works with kids in Miami and teaches them about the mission of the Customs Service.

And our extraordinary Humanitarian of the Year, Special Agent David Manglos of San Diego, who actually gave a portion of his lung to save the life of young man he didn't even know!

These are just some of the outstanding acts of professionalism, commitment and self-sacrifice we recognize today. Each stands as testament to the strength of this agency, and to the single greatest resource we possess: our people.

Make no mistake: we will need every ounce of that resource in the coming days. The challenge to protect America is and will continue to affect us throughout our agency.

But I know, just by looking around me today, and by seeing the caliber of our employees and their level of commitment, that we are up to that challenge and more.

I can also say with full confidence to Customs employees that your country stands behind you.

It is hard to conceive of anything remotely good coming from the horror of September 11.

But we can look with pride on the response of our President, our Administration, and of government at all levels - federal, state, and local - to the national tragedy and the ongoing terrorist threat to our country.

The support of Americans for government is at an all-time high. They have seen, amidst the rubble of the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, the nation's "everyday heroes," its public servants, working at the forefront of this crisis -- the firemen, the policemen, the emergency personnel.

And they know that it is the nation's public servants - the soldiers, the criminal investigators, the inspectors, the border officers and other personnel -- who will defend this country no matter what comes.

Speaking to federal employees last month, President Bush stated that since September 11, and I quote:

"The nation has seen acts of great sacrifice and heroism. And many of those acts were performed by people who serve in government. They've worked past exhaustion. They have risked their lives. And some gave their lives, as well. Our nation is grateful for all these men and women who have shown the meaning of duty and public sacrifice."

That goes for the men and women of the U.S. Customs Service. It is true of those we honor today. It is true of those who are defending America on our nation's frontlines right now. It is true of all those who support them in the crucial work that happens here at Headquarters and behind those frontlines.

To all of you, I say congratulations, and on behalf of our country, thank you and God bless.