NASA Administrator Message For the Commemoration of the 9/11 Events

(full text NASA)

The upcoming anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorism attacks on America compels us to remember and honor the lives we lost in New York City, at the Pentagon and onboard United Airlines Flight 93, and those who have subsequently made the supreme sacrifice in our nation's war on terror. Let us continue to draw inspiration from their memory as we do our part to advance the cause of freedom.

To encourage all Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools, this September a coalition of more than 60 organizations and federal agencies including NASA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, America Prepared Campaign, American Red Cross and all 50 state governments are marking "National Preparedness Month."

I urge all members of the NASA family to make the effort this month to take practical steps to prepare yourselves and your families for any emergency, from a natural disaster to a terrorist attack. Being prepared is as easy as taking three simple steps: purchasing or compiling an emergency kit, making a family communications plan, and learning what types of emergencies can happen in your area. Here at Headquarters, ready-made Emergency Kits are available in the Exchange Store. Also, I invite you to visit http://www.ready.gov for more information about emergency preparedness.

After you have prepared yourself and your family, there are opportunities to volunteer or get additional training to help prepare your community through your local Citizen Corps Council or American Red Cross Chapter. For more information on these programs, please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov and http://www.redcross.org.

Finally, I wish to note that on Saturday at 8:46 a.m. EDT, people throughout the nation will observe a moment of silence in memory of those we lost on 9/11 three years ago. It is fitting that we never forget this tragic day in our history.

Sean O'Keefe
NASA Administrator