Today, September 11, 2016, we rightfully remember the events of 15 years ago and those whose lives were lost. We also remember those whose lives were forever changed that day. And while certainly foremost were those of the families and first-responders, all of us were significantly changed when we went to bed that night.
We arose the next day with a new sense of purpose that would continue to evolve in the coming days and weeks. We looked at our friends and families with greater appreciation for their presence in our lives and for the fragility of life. Our passion for freedom and pride in country was aroused anew. Our perspective on what is really important in our lives and what is less so also evolved. We found ourselves rediscovered, reenergized, reunited. The passion that had always driven American exceptionalism was renewed.
As we look back 15 years, let us remember not only those we lost as well as our brave men and women who have since gone to defend and press forward the cause of freedom; but let us also remember how we rediscovered our sense of purpose. Our Skopós.
Rekindle that fire and let it grow in our hearts so that from the ashes of 9/11, a better America will rise. I cannot think of a better way to honor those we have lost.