John,

My thoughts today are with the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on this day 23 years ago, all the first responders who demonstrated remarkable courage to rescue as many as they could, and the heroic passengers and crew of the flights -- including those of Flight 93 who selflessly acted to avert even greater tragedy.

Watching this country suffer under al Qaeda’s attacks on 9/11 was a big part of what drove me to serve and to lead Americans in harm’s way. It’s a big part of why I entered the Naval Academy the following year and later went on to deploy three times as an officer.

Stepping up after this country was attacked on 9/11 was an easy choice for me, because those are the values I learned growing up right here in Western Pennsylvania.

Today, as we remember the lives we lost that harrowing day, I’m also reminded of all the servicemembers, including friends of mine, who took the call to action to put on the uniform, ultimately giving so much to this country that we love.

I’m reminded of the unity of purpose that marked the immediate days after 9/11. Americans opened their hearts to one another. Help and compassion were our guiding principles. That unity is sadly missing in our country today, and we face alarming threats to our democracy in the midst of several other generation-defining challenges.

I hope that as we look back on the last 23 years, we are honest about where we lived up to our potential—and where we fell short. That we honor the memories of the Americans we lost. That we do justice to their sacrifice by rededicating ourselves to this country and all her promise.

America is worth fighting for.

Very respectfully,

Chris Deluzio