Seven years ago, I was looking after my daycare children when my mother-in-law called to tell me about the attacks on the World Trade Center. Today, I'm watching the memorial service at the Pentagon - the place where my husband's friends and colleagues lost their lives.

I don't know anyone who was unaffected by the terrorist attacks on our beloved country. Everyone I know either lost someone or knows someone who did. Today we remember the innocent victims in the buildings and on the airplanes, and we remember the brave rescue workers and passers-by who died trying to save them.

Seven years ago, the airplanes that routinely fly over my home fell silent. Today the air will be filled with hymns and prayers and remembrances, and it should be. We will never forget - how could we? - but we must also do our part, as citizens and residents of the United States of America, to make sure no one in this country ever has to go through this experience again.

Please vote. Be an active citizen. Look out for your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers. Never give up, and never give up hope.

I write this just before 8:46 A.M., the moment when our beloved country was attacked. Please join me today in remembering our fallen.

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