Last Sunday was the tenth anniversary of the most painful day in the recent history of this country and one that changed the rest of the world as well. On Sept. 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was hit and demolished by two planes, in a wicked plan, that left thousands dead.

That tragedy united us as a nation and made us proud to be American. We saw people work in solidarity to help rescue those who were trapped under rubble. One way another, that moment’s pain and sorrow touched us all, whether or not we had family members, friends or acquaintances who died.

We also saw many countries lend us their help and support to build from the ashes and doubts left by the attacks.

We also realized how strong we could be. Since that moment, when everything changed for Americans and a good part of the world, I think we became more aware of the life’s value and the work that soldiers perform to protect us.

For many people losing a ball game or not making the playoffs is a tragedy. But we will always have the opportunity to get back next year for a new start, with new expectations and new dreams.

Those soldiers in far off lands, without their families, who are playing their own game, a game where they risk their lives for us and where they have to be perfect to keep us safe from the bad guys, they do not have second chances. They must always go day after day, without mistakes, because a failure has real consequences.

They, my friends, are the true héroes. Those men and women who we must pray every night for their safety, for their game not to be lost. We must ...