Dear John,
Sunday marks the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our nation. It will be a day for each and every one of us to reflect on the heroism of our nation's firefighters, police and first responders while honoring the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent victims.
To commemorate the somber observance, I delivered remarks at the Monroe County 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held earlier this morning. Organized by Lt. Don Ernst, the event also paid tribute to the courage and bravery of local first responders who risk their lives to save others every day.
Afterwards, I headed to Hazleton for the World Memorial 9/11 Exhibit, an original tribute to flight crews that has since expanded to include all public safety personnel and civilians.
Despite serving as humbling reminders of the loss and grief we all experienced on September 11, both of these local events also proved inspiring.
As future generations of Americans come of age in the post-9/11 era, it's important that we continue to share the story and recognize how the effects of September 11 still shape the world we live in today.
Yes, we must we look to the future of our country with optimism, but we we must also never, ever forget.