Nine years ago – our way of life was challenged in many ways. Many people lost their lives that day. Some died as heroes, doing everything they could to save the others around them. Many have perished since trying to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear. There are many in this world that do not share our values. We need to understand this concept and deal with it. Nine years ago, that message was delivered and it was very clear!

Although I’m not a scholar on such issues, I realize what a great privelege I have been given to be an American. I believe the rights and freedoms that our culture provides is one of the core issues we are dealing with in the world today. The basic rights we have to pursue freedome and happiness are central to these issues.

Tomorrow morning, I will reflect on how our lives have changed in the last nine years. I will remember the freedoms that we’ve lost that affect us every day. I will remember the silence of the crisp, blue skies that day. I will remember the lives lost in the Towers, the planes, the farmer’s field and the Pentagon. I will remember the lost lives of those sent around the world since that day in an effort to protect our nation from future attacks. I will never forget that there are many around this world that would do us harm.

Our industry has been resilient and integrated many security protocols since those days. We have resolved operational challenges that some would find overwhelming. Yet, we still provide a tremendous value to those that need to travel. The freedom to easily and quickly travel through the skies of this great nation is one I hope we never lose. I will solemnly reflect on the events of the last nine years, and I will thoughtfully resolve to do what I can to prevent an event like that from ever happening again.

Steve Wiley