Today marks six years since the horrific attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, a day that sparked a range of emotions and response across our great nation. While all of us were deeply impacted by those events, some suffered more than others, losing family members or friends on that day. To those who experienced sorrow, we offer our continued condolences, and hope that time lessens your pain. This year, we will conduct a moment of silence at the headquarters of NORAD and USNORTHCOM to honor those who perished in those dispicable terrorist attacks.
For the past six years, the American military has been engaged in the Global War on Terror. NORAD has steadfastly defended the United States and Canada through Operation NOBLE EAGLE, providing more than 46,000 sorties to patrol our skies. USNORTHCOM, born out of the ashes of the 9/11 attacks, is leaning forward to execute its missions of homeland defense and civil support.
This September 11th, the NORAD and USNORTHCOM staff will reflect not only on the events of Sept. 11, 2001, but also on the importance of our commands' missions. As NORAD celebrates 50 years of service and USNORTHCOM commemorates its 5th anniversary, we renew our commitment to the citizens of the United States and Canada. We bear the tremendous responsibility of protecting our homelands, where our families live and work. We serve them best by imagining the unimaginable and anticipating potential events, so that we can save lives and mitigate suffering.
I am proud to be part of the NORAD and USNORTHCOM team – a team committed to the defense and support of our nations."