2007 SPEECHES

Sixth Anniversary of 9/11

September 11, 2007

Dr. Roy L. Austin
United States Ambassador
All Saints Anglican Church

Thank you all for joining us here today.

We gather to remember those sad and tragic events of six years ago and to honor and cherish the memory and spirit of those innocents – including 14 citizens of Trinidad and Tobago – who perished that horrific day.  It is a time we will never forget – not only for the tragic losses and countless acts of heroism, but also for the solidarity we felt from the government and citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and from other nations.

This solidarity stemmed partly from the unspeakable nature of what had occurred, but also from a shared recognition that the attacks were a direct assault not just on the U.S., but upon all civilized peoples.  Those misguided nineteen terrorists and their evil backers hoped to undermine the very ideals of peace and justice, of liberty and equality, and of openness and caring that nations like ours strive so mightily to uphold and protect.  Six years after their actions, it is evident that they failed.

Among the innocent victims of September 11^th were hundreds of citizens from over 90 nations, including, as I noted, 14 persons from Trinidad and Tobago.  We come here today to especially remember and honor these persons and their families, some of whom are with us today.  To you, family-members, I say, your loss will be etched in the stone we will unveil outside. More importantly, it is also etched in our hearts.

I must digress to recognize those U.S. Embassy colleagues who made substantial contributions to the conception and erection of our 9/11 monument. The idea and the form of a durable structure originated with  Deb Coryat; and she was the leader in researching a suitable contractor and working out many details. John Reis worked assiduously to improve on her idea and obtain agreement on a structure within our financial means. Mickey Jones recommended the appropriate floral surroundings for which Ramesh Alfred quickly prepared the ground, and obtained and rooted the plants. Terry Flynn and Sylbert Baptiste took on many little but important and time-consuming tasks. I thank them all for their unstinting mental and physical exertion.

For a major contribution, also, I thank Mr. Shaun Jodhan of Clark and Battoo. He led the team that put the design of the monument in its final form and erected the structure you will soon see.

Family-members, like the many American citizens whom we still mourn and cherish, we recognize that your loved ones are not nameless, faceless, forgotten souls.  Rather, they were vibrant, loved and loving persons, taken away too soon from their friends, family and work.  Today, we remember, for example, an architect who collected calypso music, a systems analyst who loved to cook Trinidadian dishes for her friends, a woman described as the “guardian angel” of her coworkers, and others all with unique talents and lives.  They have not been, nor will they ever be, forgotten.
 
That we are all here – peoples of different races, creeds, viewpoints and political beliefs – remembering those who have fallen is a direct rejection of what the terrorists sought and a living monument to the principles for which we stand.  Our presence here together indicates that differences need not compel division, but can and do enrich.  We cannot bring back those who have departed, but we can live in a way that honors their memory and promotes the good things for which they stood.

John Donne said, “No man is an island, entire of itself/ every man is … a part of the main/…any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.”  No single act, whether it is an act of hatred or an act of selfless heroism, ever lacks an impact.  Let us remember the common humanity that unites us, as we are united here today.  Let us remember those around the world who are actively defending freedom.  Let us remember the large and small acts of kindness six years ago and ever since.  And above all, let us remember those who departed the earth – too soon – in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington in those fleeting minutes that changed so much.

However, recalling the significant and even painful events in our nation’s history is most profitable when we use these events as springboards to propel us toward a brighter future. In a recent document, the U.S. State Department shows awareness of this observation by proclaiming that “The United States wants to work in partnership with Muslims on a positive vision of hope and opportunity that is rooted in the universal values of freedom, justice and respect for all.” May the Almighty grant us the strength, wisdom and tenacity to realize this desire.

I thank you.