CAPE GIRARDEAU  -  This day will forever be a solemn occasion for our country.  We are joined in our remembrance of September 11th by memorials being conducted across the nation.  So it is important that we are here today, marking a national tragedy.

 

Because September 11th affected every American, no matter how personally we were touched by a terrible act of terrorism, we must remember it together.

 

We can’t all see the movies starting to come out about United Flight 93 or the World Trade Center, and, really, no one needs to.  We watched this drama unfold on television.  The images are heart-rending, and transfixing, even when we see them today.

 

I would urge us all to think about why these lives were lost – men and women who spoke different accents, came from different parts of our country, worshiped in different ways, held different political views – all the Americans in the Twin Towers, on those four flights, and working in the Pentagon – they were all targeted for being American. 

 

It was the ultimate hate crime.

 

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In that dark hour, it gives me great pride to know that the terrorists’ cowardice on 9/11 was met by innumerable examples of American heroism.

 

Many people rushed out of the twin towers and the Pentagon – while others did exactly the opposite – they rushed in.  Our firefighters, police officers, EMT’s, military personnel... first responders of all kinds.  Some of them did not emerge.  All of America marveled at their courage, but knew it was motivated by honor, compassion, and patriotism.

 

Everyone who committed this brave sacrifice on September 11th restored our faith that this nation will never run from a challenge.  The cowardice of terrorism will always be met with the bravery of free people.  No matter how terrible or tragic, because we are Americans, we will endure, our nation will endure.  Even if we are in mourning, we will be strong.

 

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So I would urge us all to pray, to reflect on that sacrifice, and to be faithful in our remembrance of the men and women who, like us, were Americans, and whose lives were lost because of that simple fact. 

 

Think about the families who lost their wives, husbands, fathers, mothers, children or parents for being American. 

 

And think about how you will use that commonality to bridge the gap between you and the victims who were just like you.  It is part of our civic duty now, like saying the Pledge of Allegiance or voting or taking off your baseball cap when the National Anthem is sung at a game.

 

Just like those traditions, the memory of September 11th is with us, now, for always.