We remember

What started out as a beautiful September morning 10 years ago today will forever be remembered around the world as the day terrorism hit America's homeland. Today we remember several statements, most issued just days after the attacks, that have shaped the perspectives of many over the past 10 years.

"A second plane hit the second tower. America is under attack." -- Andrew Card, former White House chief of staff, to President George W. Bush at Emma E. Booker Elementary School, Sarasota, Fla., Sept. 11, 2001.

"Are you guys ready? Let's roll." -- Todd Beamer, passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 93, who led a group a passengers in stopping four hijackers from completing an attack on the Pentagon or the White House. The plane crashed instead into the ground in Shanksville, Pa., killing all on board.

"Today is obviously one of the most difficult days in the history of the city. The tragedy that we are undergoing right now is something that we've had nightmares about. My heart goes out to all the innocent victims of this horrible and vicious act of terrorism. And our focus now has to be to save as many lives as possible." -- New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Sept. 11, 2001.

"Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America, with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could." -- President George W. Bush in his first address to the nation following the attacks, Sept. 11, 2001.

"I can hear you! I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people -- and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!" -- President George W. Bush in his bullhorn remarks to rescue workers at ground zero, Sept. 14, 2001.

Everyone is saying the same thing and praying,

That we end these senseless moments we are living.

As our fathers did before,

We shall win this unwanted war,

And our children will enjoy the future we'll be giving.

-- Excerpt from Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck's tribute poem delivered on Sept. 17, 2001.

"Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes visible on TV and covert operations secret even in success." -- President George W. Bush in front of a joint session of Congress, Sept. 20, 2001.

"Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaida, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children."

-- President Barack Obama, May 1, 2011.