Today we all remember the fifth anniversary of the terrible attacks against our country. This anniversary will be marked with tears and heavy hearts as we remember those who lost their lives that day and the lives of their families and friends which were forever changed. There were thousands of people whose loved ones never came home on September 11, who never had a chance to say good-bye. There were innocent victims and those who tried to help and everyday we miss them. All of our lives were changed that day as America was forced to respond to a threat that remains with us still.

It was our initial response to the terrorist attacks and our ongoing efforts to recover and secure this country that bring me hope and comfort. There is a spirit of survival and giving in this country that is exemplified by the daily work of each and every federal employee. Federal employees were among the many public servants who responded to the attacks, who went to work the next day, and the day after that. Federal employees made sure that the machinery of government kept turning and it is that machinery that citizens relied upon as we started down the long road to recovery.

Today it is federal employees and other public servants who serve as the first line of defense against future attacks and NTEU is committed to helping those employees do the job the American people have entrusted to them. But it is not just federal employees who are on our borders who contribute to the health and well-being of America. Every single federal employee helps make this country strong through a spirit of public service, by delivering services to taxpayers, and by ensuring that the work of the government is done effectively and efficiently.

While we will never forget that beautiful day five years ago that so quickly turned so ugly, we also should not forget the spirit that emerged from that attack and that still drives us today. NTEU is proud to work each and every day with such outstanding federal employees. The victims of Sept. 11, their families, and all of you are in my thoughts.