The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 reminded many Americans, and especially members of the HUD family, of the terrorist attack that took place in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. That attack took the lives of 168 innocent men, women, and children, including 35 employees of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

While we will never forget, much has changed in the past eight years. America's strong stance against terrorists, terrorism, and those who would threaten our freedom has helped transform our nation - and much of the world - for the better. We are a stronger people today, with a greater sense of pride in our nation, and for the men and women who serve America - in our communities and halfway around the world.

Please join Secretary Martinez, honored guests from Oklahoma City, and your friends and coworkers tomorrow at 9:30 AM in the HUD courtyard. This brief and simple ceremony at the site of our Oklahoma City memorial is being held to honor those who lost their lives, and those whose lives were forever changed eight years ago.