I was in an office in Jacksonville, FL when I got the word. I listened in horror to the newscasts. As a Navy veteran, my first response was rage. I gave an oath to support and defend, but I was impotent to do anything.

That day, a friend and I stood in line for hours to donate blood. It was all we could think to do. A radio DJ shook my hand and said I was doing a good thing. I thought to myself that the woman was an idiot. I was doing my duty to the best of my ability, I did nothing admirable.

I was taught to believe that duty and honor are the precepts by which civilized people live. To my regret, I have learned that damned few of our species have attained that ideal.

Among those who have, I count the First Responders who gave their lives at ground zero, as well as the others who supported them. I honor their memory.

I honor the memory of the men and women who have sacrificed themselves in the fight against terrorism, in Iraq and Afghanistan, regardless of their nationality.

Mistakes have been made, as in all human endeavors. History has demonstrated, time and again, that human stupidity has no limit; nevertheless, I hope that wisdom and justice will prevail in the end.