In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks linked to al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden, U.S. and British forces launched airstrikes against targets in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001.

We pause today to remember all who have fallen (American and otherwise), all who are still deployed in harm's way or supporting those who are on the front lines, and all who have served in our Armed Forces -- past, present and future.