Charge d'Affaires Speeches

September 11, 2007

Thank you for coming today to mark this solemn anniversary, a defining moment in American history, which Congress has designated “Patriot Day.”  A year ago Embassy Nassau commemorated the 5th Anniversary of the attacks of September 11 with a solemn tree planting ceremony here on this spot, honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks.  We were pleased to be joined by the Governor General and members of the government as we commemorated the day and planted the Poinciana tree here.

This year we’ve gathered together once again, Americans and Bahamians alike – on the 6th anniversary of the September 11th attacks – but this time as an Embassy community, an Embassy family.  Once again we are here to honor the victims of 9/11, but this time by dedicating a stone marker to stand by the tree as a memorial for the victims of that terrible autumn day.  We planted this tree last year to honor the victims of the attacks because, as Ambassador Rood pointed out at the time, this tree symbolizes strength and endurance, hope and beauty.

We place this stone here today next to this beautiful, robust Poinciana Tree, as a lasting memorial to the victims of that day and to remind us of our resolve not to forget.
We remember and honor the heroes that emerged on that fateful day and later: the dedicated members of our public safety, law enforcement, and intelligence communities, the selfless men and women of our Armed Forces, our diplomats abroad, our locally engaged staff, and the thousands of others who work hard each day to protect our country, secure our liberty, and prevent future attacks.

As more years separate us from the events of September 11th, it is ever more important for us to remember not only what happened that day, how we all reacted, how we helped one another get through and move on from that awful moment -- but what happened next.  How our friends and neighbors pledged their support for us in our hour of need.   The Bahamas, a true and stalwart friend, stood with us, along with friends and allies throughout the world, pledging support and providing us comfort as a nation in our time of need.  We remember this, and we remain thankful.

As this tree grows and prospers in the beautiful Bahamian sunshine, putting down deeper and stronger roots in the fertile soil, it will continue to remind us all of the strength and endurance of the relationship between our countries and our peoples.  This tree also reminds us of the strength and endurance of our ties as a community, an Embassy community – people of different backgrounds and experiences working together as one team. 

Today, in the shadow of the events of September 11th , we are working to keep our countries safe from those who seek to sow terror to advance their political causes.  As this tree blooms with its rich red blossoms, it will continue to symbolize our hope for the future and our desire to build a world of peace, free of terrorism, where liberty, democracy, and respect for human dignity are universally honored.

Let this stone marker stand firm for our hopes and ideals, which emerged unscathed from the rubble on September 11th.

I will now read the Presidential Proclamation for Patriot Day.

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America, September 11, 2001, was a defining moment in American history.  On that terrible day, our Nation saw the face of evil as 19 men barbarously attacked us and wantonly murdered people of many races, nationalities, and creeds.  On Patriot Day, we remember the innocent victims, and we pay tribute to the valiant firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, and ordinary citizens who risked their lives so others might live.  After the attacks on 9/11, America resolved that we would go on the offense against our enemies, and we would not distinguish between the terrorists and those who harbor and support them.  All Americans honor the selfless men and women of our Armed Forces, the dedicated members of our public safety, law enforcement, and intelligence communities, and the thousands of others who work hard each day to protect our country, secure our liberty, and prevent future attacks.  The spirit of our people is the source of America's strength, and six years ago, Americans came to the aid of neighbors in need.  On Patriot Day, we pray for those who died and for their families.  We volunteer to help others and demonstrate the continuing compassion of our citizens.  On this solemn occasion, we rededicate ourselves to laying the foundation of peace with confidence in our mission and our free way of life.  By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2007, as Patriot Day.  I call upon the Governors of the United Stated and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day.  I also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and rememberance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, 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.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

I would ask all present to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. - the moment the first plane struck the World Trade Center.

Thank you.