For years, Long Island has dwelt in the shadow of New York City and its majestic skyline. Nearly a decade ago that skyline was shattered, devastated by the twisted aims of one evil man and his cohorts. In the space of one September day, thousands of lives were destroyed, and millions subjected to the worst horrors of losing a loved one or friend. For firefighters and police officers, office workers and executives, New York became a war zone that day, and destruction reigned. Amid the terror and the chaos, heroes stepped forward. The great spirit of America emerged, scarred and battered, but stronger and more united than ever before. America faced her enemies with indomitable resolve.

For ten years now the great struggle has been waged, from the rugged peaks and valleys of Afghanistan, to the harsh desert of Iraq, and around the world. American troops and their allies have waged a tireless struggle against the enemy responsible for the most heinous attack ever committed against American citizens. Thousands have perished and suffered wounds in that struggle, and each and every citizen of the United States is indebted to those brave men and women, along with their family and loved ones. Day in and day out, they face a foe bent on their destruction, and the elimination of all they have sworn to defend. With each battle, these men and woman have engaged an opponent who long ago surrendered their honor, their humanity, and their integrity.

In spite of all the hardships, progress has been made. In the face of the suffering of so many, freedom has slowly gained strength around the globe. Order and security, peace and prosperity, while still so fragile, have begun to take hold. The perpetrators of that terrible attack ten years ago are being rounded up and neutralized one by one; and finally this past week, Osama Bin Laden, the architect of this Global War of Terror was eliminated. After a decade of pain, suffering, and service, a few dedicated troops eradicated a great evil from this world. The war is not over, wrong-doing not driven from the globe, but a tremendous step toward a more peaceful planet has been taken. For the family and friends whose loved ones perished on September 11th and all the dark days since; and for all those who gave so much, and continue to suffer the effects of their sacrifice, the elimination of one man can never restore what they have lost. No amount of vengeance can heal the wounds he inflicted; no victory in a far off land can turn back the hands of time. In one night however, the men and woman of the armed forces of the United States sought out and destroyed one evil man, and decapitated the head of a world-wide terror network. With deliberate and heroic action, one despicable man has been brought to justice.