September 11, 2007
VFW Event - Keynote Address

Good Evening,

I would like to first thank all the members of the VFW for organizing tonight’s ceremony and also, for the VFW’s continued dedication to serving all veteran’s – particularly this newest generation of veterans.

And I thank you all of you for being here tonight as we gather as a community to remember September 11, 2001 – when six years ago we experienced the worst attack on our soil since Pear Harbor.

An attack that resulted in over 3,000 people losing their lives on American soil and countless acts of heroism by emergency service providers.

We have sometimes become hardened, almost acclimated to this horrific event.

And while we gather as a country today, to continue to heal, we reflect on the lessons that we, as a community, have learned as a result of 9-11.

And we are reminded of the critical role that government plays in keeping us and our loved ones safe.

Tonight, we remember not only those lives that were lost, but we honor and thank Stratford’s first responders, the men and women of our Police Department, Fire Department and the volunteer members of our EMS – they are our local heroes.

These men and women put their lives in harms way each and every day to ensure our community, and our loved ones stay safe.

And we acknowledge the leadership in our Police Department, Fire Department and EMS – these public servants have taken a proactive approach to ensure that our community is prepared to respond to any type of emergency that may face our community.

We continue to work to improve and streamline our Emergency Management System through our new, state of the art, communications center funded by a grant from Homeland Security and through a completely updated and comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

We continue, as a government, to be vigilant and to be prepared – should the unthinkable happen even closer to Stratford – closer to home.

We honor those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice - our valiant young men and women who have lost their lives fighting to protect our freedom.

Men and women who went to war as a direct result of this horrific attack on our country – on our way of life.

And no matter what we feel about the war abroad, we must never forget our troops.

They are a constant reminder that freedom is not free, that our right to gather here this evening, in peace, is not to be taken for granted.

And that fight for our freedom for our safety and for our Nation’s future is far from over.

And we honor the work of our Blue Star Mothers – who tell the stories of our soldiers’ lives and their families’ lives.

Tonight, we continue to heal. Joined together in sorrow, we stand united.

Let us remember that day that humbled the most hardened of hearts.

That day when we were reminded of the true meaning of community, compassion and perseverance and the fighting spirit of what it is to be an American that so many of our brothers and sisters have done before and our sons and daughters do today.

That day when we fully understood the importance of family, of friends, of community.

And most importantly, the day we learned that regardless of race, sex or creed, we are all one.

Let us share with the world that America is great. That will not falter in our resolve to rid the world of terror, and that we will never forget those who lost their lives on 9/11, and that will always honor the thousands of men and women who have fought to protect America in all of her glory.

God Bless you, your family, and most of all – God Bless America.

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