I honestly didn't think I was going to be affected by the anniversary of September 11. And I guess, in a way, I am not. It was a shocking day for me, filled with much anxiety and sorrow, doubt and anger. I do not fear terrorists. I do not fear organized cowards. I do not fear man. I do fear for the future of my daughter. I fear my God.

What did affect me today was the pride I feel in my country. The love I have for my family. And the compassion I have for the hundreds of children that lost their moms or their dads—or both—due to the cowardly actions of a few. And I mean "few."

I saw the pictures and video of the babies, new to the world, shortly after the events of 9/11. And today, I saw them as two year old toddlers running, talking, dancing, sneezing, playing with the parent left behind. I saw some point to pictures of their dads or their moms, and I heard "daddy" or "mommy."

I cried. Like a baby. I have one of my own, you see. And I know the joy I feel when she looks at me and says "daddy."

Yes. In many, many ways it is time to move on from 9/11. But do not be so quick to dismiss the lingering effects that day in our history has on so many others. Take some time to find the legitimacy of the reasons for holding on.

"I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2003, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. In addition, I call upon all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001."