Ambassador's Speeches

Commemoration of September 11, 2001
English Reformed Church of Amsterdam
Thursday, September 11, 2008, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Ambassador James B. Culbertson

 

Reverend Cowie,  Rabbi ten Brink, Dr. Şenay, Ladies and Gentlemen:

We meet on the anniversary of a truly sad day in our history and I wish to thank you all for joining us on this occasion.  We assemble to commemorate a tragic loss seven years ago that remains painful today, especially for those who lost friends and loved ones.  We all lost something on that day; and, in the manner of such things, we gained something, too.

We meet here to reflect on this tragedy, to honor the memory of innocent lives that were lost and damaged, and to bear witness that barbarity such as this is simply unacceptable.  All around the world, others gather for the same reason.

Unfortunately, more people have been killed or wounded in terrorist attacks each year since 9/11.  Today, our thoughts and prayers must be with them as well.  Today, we recognize that all of us are at risk and no part of the world is immune.

Perhaps the terrorists who executed their atrocities on September 11, and those who sent them, wanted to change the United States and the world in some way that would benefit them.  I believe they may have changed the world a little, but I don't think it will help them.

Because I think that ultimately we will all grow closer together, not further apart.  The great religions of the world all reject extremism, and all embrace the advance of freedom, liberty, and prosperity. My country was founded on these values, and all the generations of Americans to this day have worked and fought to ensure that they and their children could live free from oppression, worship freely, and think and speak and assemble without fear.

Our country is far from perfect, but we are unswervingly dedicated to the pursuit of a more democratic future and to the spread of freedom around the globe.  I feel sure that ultimately people everywhere, of all religious faiths, will reject terrorism, hatred, intolerance, repression, and violence. That is the future, and I don't believe anyone can stop it.

September 11 has entered into our consciousness as Americans and become a part of our identity.  And this week, President Bush proclaimed September 11 to be "Patriot Day."

The joint resolution of Congress calls on  "…the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services... and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001."

Thank you for joining us here today in memory of our commitment to our highest ideals and traditions.