By now, everyone on the planet has probably heard that Osama bin Laden was killed in a U.S. operation in Pakistan. Most of us will remember exactly where we were when we first learned of the 9/11 attacks, and now we’ll remember exactly where we were when we heard this most recent news. I was with colleagues attending the NACDS annual meeting in Scottsdale, AZ.

As we all reflect on the meaning of this event—and its impact on situations around the world, including the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa—I pray our country can refocus on how fortunate we are for the freedoms we enjoy, and how thankful we should be for those who put their lives in harm’s way every day to protect those freedoms for people of all ethnicities and religions.

Let’s pray for and celebrate a renewed sense of patriotism and unity.