in the house. (Applause.)
And we’re joined by another president -- the International Association of Firefighters president, Harold Schaitberger, is here. (Applause.)

Now, this is a fire station that holds some special significance for our country. On September 11th, the firefighters of this house were among the first to respond to the attack on the Pentagon. You guys answered this nation’s call during its hour of need. And in the years that followed, as Americans went to war, some of you answered that call as well.

Today’s 9/11 generation of veterans has already earned a special place in our history. Our veterans -- and all the brave men and women who serve our country -- are the reason why America’s military is the greatest in the history of the world. In the face of great odds and grave danger, they get the job done. They work as a team. They personify the very best that America has to offer.

That’s true on the battlefront. But we’re here today because it's also true on the home front. After a decade of war, our nation needs to do some building right here in the United States of America.