That searing day and the jittery months that followed are marked in time for each of us. We should strive to remember and honor the lives that were lost. It’s important, I think, to express our profound gratitude to those Americans who are fighting this vicious war. We are in uncharted territory – finding a way to protect ourselves while clinging tightly to the basic freedoms of the American ideal. It takes integrity, and vigilance, and an unshakeable commitment to the core values that define our country. To those who speak out to defend our national character, keep going.  To those who continue to fight this difficult fight, thank you.