# Patriot Day Remarks, September 11, 2003

This day, VA employees join veterans and all freedom-loving people
across our country in remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks
on our country two years ago. We vividly remember the clouds of smoke
staining the morning sky in New York City, Washington, D.C., and rural
Pennsylvania. We mourn the voices of thousands of innocent men, women,
and children suddenly silenced by coldly calculated acts of terrorism.
In the wake of these assaults, America responded with extraordinary
bravery, love, and generosity for our fallen brethren and their
families. Today, we renew our commitment to their memory.

Terrible scenes from that fateful morning two years ago are etched into
our minds. But our memories are also filled with the heroism and
compassion of those who responded in the minutes, weeks and months that
followed.

Much has happened since. Our people and our government are united in
making sure such a horrific event on American soil does not happen
again. Thousands of our military service men and women serve in harm's
way around the world, risking their lives to rebuild nations liberated
from the yoke of despotism and terror.

We in VA see the results of their courage and sacrifice as the wounded
and injured return to our care. On this day of remembrance, we cannot
forget our noble mission so eloquently stated by President Abraham
Lincoln -- "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his
widow, and orphan." Young Americans are again "bearing the battle"
against terror, tyranny and injustice. Today, we in VA rededicate
ourselves, our jobs and our mission to them.

At the dawn of our independence, when our forefathers were fighting for
our nation's freedom, Thomas Paine urged those facing "the times that
try men's souls" to turn their hardship to their own advantage.

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph," he said. "What
we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that
gives everything its value."

These words remain true today as we courageously move forward to the
challenges we now face.

We are a people of infinite spirit. When Americans suffered a staggering
blow two years ago today, we reached deep into our Nation's soul, took
strength from one another, and resolved to move forward beyond our
fears. Today, we gather to remember the victims, to honor those who
exhibited great courage and renew that determination.

-   We Stand With Courage united in our resolve to overcome the threat
    against our nation;

-   We Stand With Courage united in our confidence that America's people
    and leaders will persevere in defense of freedom and justice for
    all;

-   We Stand With Courage united in our conviction that liberty is worth
    the patriot's price.

As President Bush said: "As liberty's home and defender, America will
not tire, will not falter, and will not fail in fighting for the safety
and security of the American people and a world free of terrorism."

We are all part of the fight, whether working in a VA hospital. Office
or cemetery, or serving on the frontlines of Freedom in Iraq or
Afghanistan. Each of us has a role to play. We in VA are fortunate to
know that our mission \-- caring for veterans -- is vital to meeting and
overcoming each new challenge to freedom.

Thank you for joining with us today. God bless those who died so
violently two years ago and God comfort the loved ones they left behind.
And remember those Americans who have since given their lives for our
freedom. May their families find comfort in America's resolve that they
will not have died in vain?

Thank you.