Five years ago today, a series of despicable acts were perpetrated on the United States, acts that stand alone in their audacity. Five years ago today, terrorist animals executed 2,973 innocent people; five years ago today, those same subhumans utterly destroyed the World Trade Center, the symbol of American economic superiority, and damaged the Pentagon, the symbol of our military might. Five years ago today, a man named Osama bin Laden added his to the book of names accursed through history.

Five years ago today, we held each other as we wept. Five years ago today, we remembered that we are all Americans; five years ago today, we remembered what it is to be united. Five years ago today, we knew heroism.

Five years ago today, we learnt to fear. Five years ago today, a world we trusted and wrapped around us in our ignorance and arrogance was stolen from us. Five years ago today, we understood hatred. Five years ago today, we faced death.

Five years ago today, the world stood with us. Five years ago today, the world forgave America its sins. Five years ago today, America was a good nation, a decent nation. Five years ago today we deserved sympathy.

Five years ago today, we vowed vengeance. Five years ago today, a time of war began. Five years ago today, we knew who our enemy was. Five years ago today, our way was clear.

Five years ago today, the future was set aflame. Now we see it burning.

Five years ago today.