18 years ago this week the epicenter of ground 0 makes todays program especially meaningful. I know many of you toured the museum last night, some for the first time. The events we chronicle here, the lives we remember and the aspirations we embrace for a world free from the scourge of terrorism are inextricably linked to the work of this committee and the topics you will discuss today. Here at the 9 11 memorial and museum we testify to the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on american soil and the single greatest loss of rescue personnel in a single event in american history. Our exhibitions and programs recount the collective experience of profound shock, unprecedented vulnerability and overwhelming grief caused by the attacks. Yet visitors take away more than a cautionary tale to remain vigilant to continued threats by sharing the manifold expressions of courage, compassion and service in response to 9 11. This museum also affirms the best of who we can be. As hum