A decade of resolve

Nebraskans are among the most patriotic Americans I've ever met. We always remember meaningful days in history. September 11, 2001 is one such day.

It marks that terrible moment in history when America came under attack and 3,000 innocent people were killed in an attack by terrorists.

This year the anniversary has added significance because it marks the tenth anniversary. As I prepare to speak at one of the tributes I wanted to share some of my thoughts with Nebraskans statewide.

First Responders

Each time I see first responders these days it makes me remember watching as first responders answered the call the morning of September 11th, 2001 and the pride I felt, followed by anguish as they gave their lives trying to save others.

While we must never forget those we lost, we must do more than remember them. We must remain vigilant in order to prevent new attacks and new victims.

We have sent thousands of our finest overseas to fight terrorism. We put up with tighter security at airports and more is needed to secure our ports and borders. Our intelligence gathering capabilities need to remain as efficient as possible to prevent future attacks.

A Changed Nation

The tragic events of September 11th, 2001 changed many things about America but there's one thing they could not change. They could not change American ideals.

We are still a country that puts a premium on our inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We are still a country that believes in freedom and equal rights for all.

And, we are willing to fight for those rights. We are still a country that flies Old Glory from sea to shining sea, and we fly the flag with more pride than ever before.

\It is a magnificent display of American patriotism for the entire world to see. They can see that we have turned anguish into strength and pain into purpose.

Indeed, we are a changed nation. We are more aware that terrorists can strike anywhere at any time but we are not afraid.

The American Spirit

We have turned the adversity of 10 years ago into strength. The acts of terror that pierced the calm of that beautiful morning in 2001 took the lives of 3,000 people. We still grieve for them and their families.

They destroyed landmarks but there's one thing they couldn't do. They couldn't break our spirit. No one can ever do that, which has to be terribly frustrating to our enemies. We are Americans. This is still our country. It's not theirs.

We drove that point home more than ever this year when we got Osama bin Laden.We showed those who foster terrorism that we value our freedom and we never give up.

Through all, America endures. We remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.