American Legion Auxiliary National Community Service Committee Chair John Tester gave a speech this morning on the 9/11 National Day of Service at a remembrance ceremony hosted by ALA Bennington Unit 13 in Vermont:
 
This morning, we are here to honor the 2,977 people who perished on 9/11. The events of that day produced hundreds of heroes — the brave first responders who ran toward the burning and collapsing buildings, and the passengers of Flight 93, as well as others. In the hours and days that followed, we witnessed not only unimaginable tragedy, but also extraordinary courage. 

But, today, as we honor the brave heroes of 9/11, I’d like to talk about the countless heroes who rose in the days and years because of 9/11. Alongside our first responders, a new corps of heroes sprang to life. Our military — the men and women in uniform — many of them scarcely out of high school. They answered the call without hesitation. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen stepped forward to defend our freedoms and bring justice to those who attacked us. Some volunteered the very next day, leaving behind families, jobs, and plans for the future, because their country needed them.

In the conflicts that followed 9/11, more than 7,000 servicemembers have given their lives in service to their country. Tens of thousands more returned home carrying visible and invisible wounds. We honor every one of them. Their courage ensured that our country would never again have to set aside a day like today to remember another tragedy. 

But honoring our military is not just about remembering their sacrifice — it is also about our promise to care for those who served, and the families who waited, and in some cases, are still waiting, for them to return home. It is our duty to honor and remember our veterans, to remind them that their service will never be forgotten.

The memory of September 11 reminds us that we are strongest when we stand together. It reminds us that freedom is not free, and that there are always brave Americans willing to defend it.

To our servicemembers, past and present: Thank you. Your courage and devotion embody the very best of our nation. To the families of the fallen: We honor your sacrifice with our deepest gratitude. And to all Americans: May we never forget, and may we always remember those who perished on this day 24 years ago, and those who fight every day, ensuring it never happens again. 

God bless the men and women of our military, our veterans, and God bless the United States of America. Thank you.