Mitt Romney says the United States is indeed a united nation in its determination to halt terrorists and to protect freedom "at home and across the world."

The Republican presidential nominee issued a written statement marking 11 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America. Romney was to address the anniversary in a speech to the National Guard in Reno, Nev., later Tuesday, a rare day in which the presidential race will not feature overt campaigning.

In his statement, Romney said the United States will never forget those who died or stop caring for their families. He expressed thanks to U.S. troops and warned those who would attack America that "we are united, one nation under God, in our determination to stop them."