Speeches

Remarks by Ambassador Godec
Sixth Anniversary of 9/11
North Africa American Cemetery & Memorial
September 11, 2007

The American writer Hope Edelman wrote, “Our lives are shaped as much by those who leave us as they are by those who stay.  Loss is our legacy.  Insight is our gift.  Memory is our guide.”

On September 11, 2001, nearly three thousand people lost their lives as the result of inhuman attacks carried out by terrorists who sought to write a political statement in the blood of the innocent.  Air travelers and those going about their daily lives on the ground in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, and the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and ordinary citizens who tried to help the victims, all perished in the attacks.  The families and friends of the fallen still feel the pain of their loss. 

Hundreds of those who lost their lives on that fateful day were citizens of other nations.  The world rallied around the United States and the more than 90 other countries which lost their citizens with generous assistance and heartfelt sympathy.  To this day, the people of the United States remain grateful to all those, including the government and people of Tunisia, that stood by us in that dark day.

Unfortunately, today, forces of hatred and extremism continue to bring death and destruction across the globe.  Together, civilized people around the world and of every faith stand together, defending the universal values and principles expressed in the world’s religions.  All faiths teach that life is precious, and no faith condones the deliberate killing of innocents.

“Loss is our legacy.  Insight is our gift.  Memory is our guide.”

On this day, as we remember our loss and reflect upon the insight we have gained, let us stand united with the memory of the fallen as our guide.  Let us all work together for peace and understanding in the years to come.

Thank you.