Paula Nulty

Today we mourn, grieve and honor 2,977 fellow Americans who were murdered by Islamic terrorists twenty-five years ago. On that day, as the darkness of evil fell upon our nation, we witnessed something far more powerful: the courage and heroism of firefighters, police officers, port authority workers, passengers, flight attendants, office workers, citizens and soldiers who displayed unyielding devotion, love, bravery and patriotism in the face of the grimmest horrors. America is blessed with titans who, without a second thought, race upward into smoke and fire, crawl to distant voices through minefields of ash and glass, carry the hurt and the wounded, lift each other from debris and rubble, pray with each other when all seems lost, and give hope to each other at the bleakest hour. The whole world witnessed the unequaled character, selflessness and strength of America and its people. There is no match for the American spirit. Today, our hearts turn with deepest sorrow and affection for all those left behind. For the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives and children who lost the greatest joy and light in their lives. For them, those empty monuments in manhattan are empty bedrooms and living rooms and holes in their hearts that can never be filled. The depth of their anguish is a testament to the magnificence of the souls we lost and a sacred mandate that we remember them, their dreams, their faces, their stories, and the beauty and grace of their lives forever. We must never forget. We will never forget. Twenty-five years has not dimmed our resolve. It has solidified our determination. God bless the fallen. God bless the families. God bless the United States of America.