“Eight years ago, we witnessed the most horrific terrorist attack ever launched on our nation’s soil. Thousands lost their lives and millions were left shaken with despair. Though our resolve to co-exist in a free and tolerant society was tested, our courage and commitment to band together was never in question.
“Today, we honor the men and women whose lives were taken far before their time and those brave individuals of the NYPD, FDNY and Port Authority who in service to their nation gave the last full measure of devotion. Their memory lives on through us and will never be forgotten.
“We also pay tribute to the brave men and women of our armed services who have chosen to put themselves in harm's way to protect our country.
“Nothing can assuage the pain of such an unbearable tragedy, but justice cries out, our collective conscience demands and honor dictates we mourn that which has been lost and celebrate what can never be- the courage to carry on and the strength to survive.”
