when president obama pointed me, he asked as appointed me, he asked that i served as a custodian for this chapter of american history. this is my fourth visit to the memorial site since becoming secretary of the interior. i have had the honor of working with the family and friends of the heroes of flight 93. i also have had the honor of working with the landowners and the community of shanksville, whose lives, like the rest of the nation, were irrevocably changed on that day nine years ago. the location for this year s service is especially significant as we return to the western overlook where the journey began nine years ago. this is where the pennsylvania state police line to the ridge on horseback lined the ridge on horseback as the families were first brought to view the wreckage. this is where the other agencies carried out their duties. many of those who served in the investigation and recovery efforts are with us in the audience today. for the first responders, ar
the president asked americans to honor the fallen by keeping alive americas shared virtues and values. from the pentagon, this is 35 minutes. the national anthem of the united states. nd playing star-spangled banner ] ladies and gentlemen, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, admiral mike mullen. mr. president, secretary gates, distinguished guests, most of all families and friends of those we lost on 9/11, inside the pentagon, near the chapel, lies a quilt on display. it was stitched together by dozens of americans who simply wanted those of us who survived the attack on his building to note that day, our fellow citizens, would always remember those who did not. on that quilt are written these words by a little girl, in our hearts, we weep for you. in our minds, we honor you. today, her words still comfort us, because today, we still weak for those we lost here and in new york weep for those we lost here, in new york, and in somerset county. we honor them wi