Today across America at 8:46a.m., there was a moment of remembrance for those who died on behalf of service to their country and their community. All of us understand what happened in the field of Pennsylvania. We understand what occurred at the Pentagon, and we more greatly understand what happened at the Twin Towers. But that was a day that offered a reflection to all of us on what the police and the fire and the first responders offer to our communities every single day. That began a new obligation for all of us as representatives of citizens of Michigan.

Because of the 9/11 attacks on this country, unprovoked, we stand here on a too regular basis offering memorial resolutions for the brave men and women who serve our country every single day. There was a great decision that had to be made at that particular moment about what kind of country we were going to be. We might have questioned at that time what kind of country we wanted to be, but we could never question the valor, dignity, and honor that those in uniform have provided to our state and our country.

Five years ago, you joined with my family offering condolences, prayers, and thoughts on behalf of a nephew our family lost in Iraq. Today in Iraq the camp that sits in Baghdad, Iraq, is named after our nephew Scott Sather. So it's with special solace and a particular sense of sadness today that I'm reminded that what not only happened to our nephew, Sergeant Scott Sather, but as I mentioned, on too regular a basis our Michigan citizens who stand up for us.

We were offered a great opportunity at that time to see the footage--some of us watched it live--about how the police and fire, they did not run from the wreckage and the attacks, but they actually entered the buildings knowing full well what the costs could be and, unfortunately, it was.

Mr. President, I appreciate the moment of silence and respect offered by a previous Senator and would reflect again as a body that we offer our condolences and prayers today. That only began the discussion of what kind of country we were going to be. We know, again, that in the not too future that we will be standing once again offering a memorial resolution on behalf of one of our brave citizens.

Mr. President, I ask that we all take a moment today to understand what has happened to our country and our state and indeed our world, and thank all of those who could offer a moment of prayer and condolence for the families who lost so much.