In the three years since September 11, our Nation has responded with unprecedented urgency to the threat of global terrorism. With the most sweeping reorganization of the federal government in our Nation's history and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), we are now better organized to deal with the continuing and real terrorist threat to our country. And, within DHS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was established to create - for the first time in our country's history - one border agency for the United States. CBP's priority mission is, as you know, the most important prevention mission of any agency of the U.S. government; that is, preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States. No other agency of our government is in a better position to prevent further terrorist attacks on our country than CBP. All of you - the men and women of CBP - are an essential part of the national strategy to protect our homeland. It is a tribute to your efforts that there have been no terrorist attacks in the United States since 9/11.

As we pause to remember those who lost their lives on that day, and those who still grieve their loss, we can take solace in the fact that we honor their memory by the progress we have made to improve the safety and security of our Nation. Every CBP employee can - and should – be proud of our collective efforts to secure our homeland. In the last 18 months, we have built a new agency, a new culture, and a new unified border management workforce - "One Face at the Border." While there is still much more we can do, we have unquestionably improved security at - and between - our ports of entry through the implementation of an extended and layered border strategy. Because of the vigilance and dedication of the men and women of CBP, our borders are more secure and America is safer.

As has been the case in previous years, I am directing all operating CBP facilities, including all the Nation's ports of entry and all Border Patrol stations, to observe a moment of silence on Saturday, September 11 at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. During this time, all uniformed CBP officers conducting primary inspections at our Nation's ports of entry will step out of their booths and pause in remembrance. All Border Patrol offices will conduct similar observations, as appropriate.

Employees not on duty tomorrow are asked to privately observe a moment of silence.

As we all know, there is no duty more important than protecting America, our citizens, our ideals, and our way of life. The responsibility to protect our Nation has never been greater. As your Commissioner, I thank you for your patriotism, your commitment, and for your unwavering vigilance in service to our country.