The horrific acts of terrorists on September 11, 2001 will forever alter the way in which we view our freedom. We've all heard that the price of freedom is not cheap -- but we never expected to pay such a great price in such an unexpected way.

When I was 13 years old, I visited New York City for the first time. The button above is one of the two things I still have from that trip. Everything about the World Trade Center was amazing -- the sheer height of the buildings, the incredible view from the top, the number of people from all over the world who worked there -- the list goes on and on. I cherish the experience I had there. To this day, the awe inspired by those buildings fills my heart with American pride.

The people of New York, of Washington D.C., of America as a whole, and of the civilized world have reeled in horror. And yet, we've responded with an amazing amount of courage and support. Now is the time to support those who are in such great need: the incredibly heroic firefighters, police officers, and EMT's who lost their lives saving others and who have worked feverishly to try to save victims of the collapses; and the families of the victims, in the U.S. and around the world, who have lost so very much.

Today, let us join together, help our fellow countrymen and women, support the families, honor the heroes, and help heal the wounds.

Looking forward, let us plan for the reconstruction of a World Trade Center, even bigger than the one we just lost. For if we let these forces of evil take away that which we hold dear, we have lost the war for our freedom. Let us build a monument to the victims by constructing a World Trade Center even more impressive than the one that first captured my heart, inspired me to achieve, and taught me that anything is possible.

Please give to the American Red Cross to support the victims and the heroes of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.