Five years ago, the world saw evil. Today, the nation began its observation of a solemn anniversary, with plans for silent reflection and fresh mourning for the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001.

America awoke to an ordinary morning.
For the last time.

Five years ago today.
Buildings fell.
Heroes rose.

The world changed.
Forever.

I remember where I was five years ago today. I remember the breaking news on the radio. I remember the initial accounts of a small airplane hitting the World Trade Center. I remember arriving at work and turning on the television. I remember the horror, shock and sadness quickly grip myself and my coworkers. And, I remember being evacuated from our building as the world went numb.

Today, I will be honoring the lives of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice at a memorial service at Peterson Air Force Base, with NORAD, near Cheyenne Mountain, the very place that worked to respond to the events five years ago.