After the Great Depression and after public urging a nationwide public competition was held to determine a design for a memorial that would honor President Thomas Jefferson's bold vision for westward expansion for America.

When the will defies fear when duty throws the gauntlet down to fate when honor scorns to compromise with death - that is heroism.

I love the name of honor more than I fear death.

Death and life have their determined appointments riches and honors depend upon heaven.

When faith is lost when honor dies the man is dead.

Death most resembles a prophet who is without honor in his own land or a poet who is a stranger among his people.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to honor the greatest champion of racial equality who taught a nation - through compassion and courage - about democracy nonviolence and racial justice.

For as long as this nation has known war we have embraced the heroes it has produced. Americans have rightfully noted the honor and nobility of courage under hostile fire and thanked those who perished in their defense.

Before I begin talking about the threats we face the vulnerabilities that we have and frankly the courage of the men and women in uniform that stand in harm's way on behalf of a very grateful Nation let me first honor the sacrifices of September 11.

Our young people have come to look upon war as a kind of beneficent deity which not only adds to the national honor but uplifts a nation and develops patriotism and courage.