Sea to Shinning Sea

Displaying Old Glory: Members of the FDNY and volunteers unfurl a U.S. flag recovered from ground zero that was stitched back together several years later with parts of other American flags. (Photo by Michael Frazier)

Like Americans across the country, today I'm celebrating July 4th with family and friends.  And like you, sometime between the barbeques and the fireworks, I’ll be sure to pause to remember the values upon which our country was founded, and for which so many young men and women have given their lives.

This spirit of defending freedom no matter the cost, is the same spirit that exists here at the World Trade Center site in New York City, as I watch the building of the 9/11 Memorial.

We all remember the days and weeks after 9/11, when we saw something unbelievable emerge from the tragic scenes at ground zero, the Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania: a sense of American pride and unity that swept across the country.

This is a project in which the entire nation is truly invested.  Hundreds of workers at the site are helping to ensure the opening of the Memorial in time for the 10th anniversary of the attacks.  Hundreds of thousands of individuals from all 50 states and 37 countries have generously donated in support. Millions more will visit the 9/11 Memorial when it opens to join in remembrance.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday and God bless the United States of America.

By Joe Daniels, President and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial