Gov. Rick Perry says the heroism of first-responders and ordinary citizens during the Sept. 11 attacks was a call to action "for a generation of American patriots."
The Republican presidential hopeful says some joined the military and went to war, others went into law enforcement.
He says in the face of "overwhelming evil," America responded with love for those affected but also with "a determination to strike back against those who committed these acts."
Perry laid a wreath before an Austin, Texas monument honoring those who died 10 years ago Sunday.
He also saluted the death of Osama Bin Laden, saying "the mastermind behind these attacks has paid the ultimate price."
Perry often chides President Obama, but has publicly cheered his administration for finding and killing Bin Laden.
Perry proclaimed Sept. 11 as Texas First Responders Day.
"Ten years later, the images of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks still linger in our minds, and we will never forget the lives lost," Perry said. "Our enemies failed miserably if their goal was to demoralize America and paralyze us with fear. Instead, we rose above the ashes and found unity in the face of adversity."
The governor was joined at the ceremony by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and several local officials.
