As today draws to a close, I would be remiss if I did not take a more formal moment today and remember the tragedy that was Pearl harbor, truly a day that as president Franklin Roosevelt declared at the time that would “live in infamy.” For many of my students the horror of September 11th is a day for them that continues to live in infamy. As Americans, as a nation that has done so much in our relatively short history to combat totalitarianism and the many forces that have over the years sought to extinguish the flame of freedom and replace it with darkness both of these tragic attacks should never be forgotten. Nor should the bravery of our heroes then and now who did and continue to do so much so that the rest of us may live in a free and open democracy ever be forgotten.

So, on this day, as I offer a final salute to the brave Americans who paid the ultimate price at Pearl Harbor I also think of how we must never forget the lessons learned throughout our history. Perhaps one of the foremost lessons is that there can be no substitute for eternal vigilance, no substitute for a collective steely resolve forged from history’s experiences that while it may bend must never be broken.

Every new generation brings its own challenges and threats to our way of life. Thankfully, every generation also brings new leaders of men and women who choose to accept the baton from the previous one with a sense of pride and vigor. I know this to be true as I am fortunate to work everyday with young leaders who are carrying on the legacy of the heroes before them.

May the dawning of each new day continue to refurbish the flame of freedom here in our homeland and around the world.