Recognizing The Heroes Among Us
By U.S. Sen. John Cornyn
On September 11, 2001, America experienced the worst terrorist attacks in our nation’s history. This year, we mark the 10th anniversary of that tragic day and remember the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives. As we join the families of the fallen to mourn for those we lost, we also pay tribute to the many who rose to the occasion that day—and since then—to protect their neighbors and defend the freedoms we hold dear.
I’m reminded of the wise words of former President Ronald Reagan, who said, "Those who say that we are in a time when there are no heroes—they just don't know where to look.” As Americans, we need only look to the thousands of men and women – the fire-fighters, first responders, service members and ordinary citizens – who risked their lives to save others on the day that changed our nation forever.
This call to duty was answered not only on September 11, but in the days following and throughout the past 10 years. In Texas, we’ve seen thousands of heroes answer the call of duty by serving in the military, joining the intelligence or law enforcement field, or becoming fire-fighters and first responders. These men and women have sacrificed daily to keep their fellow Texans safe – whether it has been on the front lines in Iraq or Afghanistan, or here at home, securing our schools, communities and businesses.
On this somber anniversary, I challenge all Texans to keep these heroes in your prayers – our troops, intelligence professionals, law enforcement officers, first responders, and all those who have dedicated their lives to keep us safe and free. They understand the sacrifices they and their families have to make. Let us never leave them in doubt of our gratitude.
Let us also remember those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and in the days that followed. Ten years may seem like a long time to many of us, but for others the memories are all too vivid –and the personal pain all too real.
Finally, the greatest honor we can give to those we lost is to live lives worthy of their sacrifice; to relish the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution; and to remember that our birthright includes the pursuit of happiness.
May God Bless Texas, and may God Bless America
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