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For Immediate Release
August 19, 2011
Contact: David Atkinson
717-787-6535
 

Smucker Commends America's 9/11 Ride

9/11 is a date that has deep meaning for every American.  Even though so many things change so quickly in American life, the memory of that tragic day is a constant that will never fade away.  Never again will we be confident that terrorism only hits and harms in distant places.  Never again will security be an afterthought in our daily concerns.

On 9/11, America lost a lot of heroes.  Quality individuals, with bright futures.  Since then, we have lost additional heroes, first responders who perished in the line of hazardous duty.  And there are the thousands of fine men and women who have lost their lives, sustained injuries, and had lives disrupted serving our nation and the cause of freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Such losses create empty spaces in families, in communities, in our hearts.

But those losses have inspired countless good-hearted individuals, to be involved, to volunteer, to contribute talent and resources.  There are continuing demonstrations of uncommon generosity of spirit.

As a nation, we made a lot of promises in the wake of the terrorist attacks.  Most prominently, we promised to remember and honor those who lost their lives.  All of you who participate in America’s Ride, and those who support your effort, remember and honor in a way that is very visible, very meaningful, and very inspirational.

The permanent memorials are taking shape.  At Shanksville, at the Pentagon, at Ground Zero in Manhattan, people can gather, to recall those lost, to remember their lives, and to reflect on the lessons.  The tranquility of today stands in sharp contrast to the turmoil and tragedy of ten years ago.

There should be equal pride in the living memorials established.  The scholarship fund offered through the 9/11 Foundation is an outstanding offering.  Investing in the development of young people yields the best possible return.

In every community, in every state, our first responders have chosen the difficult task of keeping us safe, to the best of their extraordinary ability.  Their strength of character, their commitment to community, and their courage in confronting challenges and crises, are simply awesome.  We should show our gratitude, at every chance, in every way.

One of the best responses to terrorism is to live our lives without fear, to exercise the constitutional freedoms terrorists would seek to destroy.  So we assemble at the time and place of our choosing.  We say the words appropriate to the occasion.  We travel without restriction, to visit sacred sites accessible to the public.  We deliver our message and pay tribute in the manner we choose.

America's Ride says so much, about freedom, about commitment, about unity, about the virtues that make our nation so great.  May God be with you, and keep you safe, on your incredible journey.