Yesterday, five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, was a time to honor those whose lives were lost, as well as their families and the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our people and our country. As always, we hold them in our thoughts and prayers.

I had the opportunity to speak to a group of students from Shawnee Mission South’s Center for International Studies about my memories of 9-11 and how those events changed our nation. I was proud to see this group of student’s dedication to international understanding. I share with them my belief that the United States must reach out to the international community if we hope to stop the spread of terrorism.

We must work together to ensure that we live in a world that is safe and secure.