Let us not ever forget September 11, 2001

History teaches us many things. As a child, I took a damp cloth to wipe off the outer soot that built up on our BBQ pit. The only problem - my Dad had burgers on the grill at the time and my hand sizzled on the burning metal like a patty on a grill. As painful as it was and remembering how my parents and I all wished we could have avoided that excruciating experience, the event created a memory that has served me well the rest of my life.

As Americans we all share a memory that will last us a lifetime as well - the attacks of September 11, 2001. These devastating memories still linger eight years after the innocence of our nation was lost, people perished, and survivors and families wept.

Resolve was the collective mood after seeing our fellow countrymen fall and jump from burning buildings. Resolve was the attitude as we watched in disbelief our Pentagon smolder in flames. Resolve was the spirit that embodied the passengers on board United Flight 93 who took down the terrorists that took over their plane. Resolve was what drove brave men and women into crumbling structures to risk their own lives so they could save others.

Let's honor these families who fought then for our freedom and who continue to fight today to protect America from such hatred. Let us not ever forget the memory of this day.

Hurricane Ike Preparations, Remembering 9/11

Today I visited the State Emergency Operations Center in Austin as Texas prepares for Hurricane Ike to make landfall. Thousands of volunteers, state, federal and local employees along with many private businesses working around the clock to keep Texans safe from the storm. I urge all Texans to heed the warnings of local officials, as meteorologists say Ike’s storm surge could cause massive flooding and power outages in cities along our coastline.

The Texas Department of Agriculture is strategically placing food supplies around the state to help feed evacuees at shelters. It makes me proud to see the large numbers of volunteers who stand willing to help other Texans in their time of need. It’s because of their selflessness that others are guided through such a difficult time.

As we prepare for the worst, and hope for the best, we cannot forget the heroes who lost their lives on this very day seven years ago. I encourage all Texans to take time today to reflect on the great loss our country felt on 9/11, but to also remember the resiliency and fortitude embedded in the character of Americans that allows us to overcome such tragedies. We honor the men and women of the United States armed forces who have stepped up to keep America safe while fighting for the basic freedoms and democracy.