nteered to step forward to defend our Nation. September 11th will always stand apart from other days-not because of what we say about service and sacrifice, courage and character ... of course, it's all of those things. But also because of what those things say about all of us, all Americans. So today, as we remember the lives that ended here at the Pentagon and all who perished in New York City and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, let's take a moment to remember those who work to protect our citizens and our nation. Let's also take this opportunity to rededicate our own lives to giving back to our great country.

ease join me in thanking the McKinleys for more than 38 years of selfless service to our Nation. We also welcomed General Frank Grass and Patricia. Deanie and I look forward to working with the Grass family as they lead the Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen who serve on the front lines at home and abroad.

mily and friends at the renaming ceremony of ICAF to The Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Renaming this senior service college is a tribute to President Eisenhower's legacy of trust, value of relationships, and vision for a sustainable future.

g a port visit in Ireland. CDR Ray Hartman and his crew did an outstanding job representing the US Navy and Marine Corps team, and the reception they hosted aboard the ship was first rate. They welcomed Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, CNO Adm. Jonathan Greenert, the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Daniel Rooney and many military and civilian dignitaries. While in Ireland for my counterpart visit, we took the opportunity to enjoy a glorious Dublin day watching the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen battle the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Emerald Isle Classic. It was an inspiring day all around. The USS Ft McHenry’s motto -- Home of the Brave! – is an apt description for both the U.S. and Ireland.

ary is leading ʻa life less ordinaryʼ. This is a critical time for both of our militaries as we face transitions and confront the security paradox. Iʼm confident that these men and women will do whatʼs best for their military and nation.

bert Caslen, Robert Steve Beecroft of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and my Iraqi counterpart and brother-in-arms, General Babaker Shawkat Zebari.

The relationship between the Iraqi and U.S. militaries continues through Foreign Military Sales, exercises,leader development and exchanges. We discussed helping to close capability gaps and addressing regional security challenges. There are a lot of opportunities for Iraq to be a leader in the Middle East, and I look forward to advancing our partnership.

g Afghan capacity.

While my visit was not prompted by recent events, I did discuss the issue of insider threats/attacks against Coalition and Afghan forces. I learned of the steps ISAF and the Afghans are taking to review and reinforce various actions/processes and training. I also spoke with my Afghan counterpart General Karimi, who raised the issue of insider threat at the start of our meeting. I’m confident the Afghan military and civilian leaders understand the importance of the issue at this moment.

I also met with the new US ambassador, as well as the new IJC commander, LTG James Terry, to get their perspectives on the state of the campaign.

The Taliban started the fighting season with three objectives: discrediting Afghanistan's central government, impeding the development of the national security forces, and recapturing lost territory. They have failed in each of them. The Afghan government has been given a real opportunity to establish its governance by allowing the security environment to show progress and, therefore, hope. We continue to work and fight shoulder to shoulder.

ttle which he and his family have approached with a fighting spirit and candidness through Operation: True Grit. Itʼs been an honor to work with Mark. The Webers have shown us that it can be a far higher ideal to live an ordinary life in an extraordinary way.

And great discussion yesterday with members of the Minnesota Army and Air National Guard, where many of the members have recently returned from deployments. The National Guard and Reserve are critical to our defense strategy and the partnership between the Minnesota National Guard and the Croatian military is a prime example. Thank you to “The North Star Guard” citizen-soldiers and airmen for your service to our nation at home and abroad.