Acting Secretary of the Navy Reflects on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Tuesday, 9.47 a.m. Hi, baby. I'm... Baby, you have to listen to me carefully. I'm on a plane that's been hijacked. I'm on the plane. I'm calling from the plane. I want to tell you I love you. Please tell my children that I love them very much. And I'm so sorry, babe. I hope to be able to see your face again, baby. I love you. Bye. Eddie, are you there? Eddie? The plane just hit 737. What? 737? United 175, New York. We have some problems over here right now. We might have a hijacked over here, too. United 93, have you got information on that yet? Yeah, he's down. He's down? Yes. When did he land? He did not land. Another one just hit the building. Wow. I'm on the 89th floor. I'm gonna die, aren't I? No, no, no, no, no, no. I'm gonna die, aren't I? Ma'am, ma'am, ma'am, say your prayers. I'm gonna die. You've got to think positively because you've got to help each other get off the floor. I'm gonna die, aren't I? 25 years ago, on September 11th, 2001, our nation changed forever. On that fateful Tuesday morning, when terrorists attacked our nation with one goal in mind, to break our spirit, and they failed. Out of darkness rose an unbreakable American spirit. An entire generation rose up to answer the call to defend this republic. I was there with our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines as we fought to defend this country against terrorists for the next 20 years. On this 25th anniversary of Patriot's Day, we remember the brave first responders that charged into the buildings to save lives. And we remember the families and loved ones that are left behind. Our sailors and Marines are standing watch right now at the doorway of liberty to ensure this never happens again in our country. God bless you all. God bless the United States of America.