A thank you to the families of the victims. We cannot know your pain, we can only thank you for the heroes you loved.

A thank you to those that gave all on this day ten years past, and most especially those whose duty it was to enter the whirlwind and save those who, all unknowing,  were in the wrong place when hate thrust its flaming hand into a nation’s soul.

Thanks to those that have sacrificed so much in the last ten years, making every effort to assure the freedoms they protect will not die in the flames of religious fanaticism. You have done so much, and continue to do so, for so little.

Thanks to those of you who recognize the heroes today. May you recognize the heroes every day.

After all, they earn it: each and every one, every day they put on uniform and enter the whirlwind on our behalf, to stand between us and harm.

Thanks.