Friends,

We all remember ten years ago on September 11; where we were, and what we were doing when we learned of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon.  

We all felt fear and confusion at the images of horror we saw on the news.  But this is America. What makes this country great is the courage and bravery that emerges during our darkest times.

A few months after 9/11, I was working with a small group of volunteers in a Red Cross shelter next to Ground Zero in New York.  We were filling a simple role -- serving eggs and providing blankets to those conducting the cleanup.  It was a round the clock task and when the police, firefighters and construction workers needed to come in from the freezing weather, some would come in and attempt to rest. The scene was grave.  Rubble that had been a pile was slowly turning into a pit as more was removed and cleaned up each day. Remains of victims were still being unearthed.  But playing this small part in the healing process galvanized my desire to work in service to our communities. Like many Americans, my love and respect for our country and her citizens soared. 

We take this ten year anniversary of the September 11 attacks to offer our heartfelt gratitude to our first responders, and the men and women of our military, who stepped forward to respond to this tragedy. And we remember those who have died for our country. May we also never forget the demonstrations of bravery or the spirit of service that resulted from 9/11.

Sincerely,