I had watched Dad climb into the biggest arena and succeed. I wanted to find out if I had what it took to join him.

we're too great a nation to allow the evil-doers to affect our soul and our spirit.

Our security is assured by our perseverance and by our sure belief in the success of liberty.

Now the Taliban will pay a price.

These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat.But they have failed; our country is strong.

Deeply impressed with the blessing which we enjoy, and of which we have much manifold proofs, my mind is irresistibly drawn to that Almighty Being, the great source source from whence they proceed and whom our most grateful acknowledgements are due.

Civility is not a tactic or a sentiment. It is the determined choice of trust over cynicism, of community over chaos.