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September
11, 2002
"ONE
YEAR LATER"
"A
year goes by quickly. For most of us, the tragedy of September
11, 2001 now seems far away. Certainly life has moved forward,
and many of the scars inflicted that day have healed. But the
sound of a siren, or the sight of the World Trade Center in an
old movie, or even a glimpse of the Pentagon, can suddenly bring
memories back. No doubt the news reports we will see today will
recall for most of us the sense of shock and numbing pain that
enveloped the world but a year ago.
I grew up in an America of splendid isolation -- a place where
terrorism happened only overseas, not on our shores. Those days
of innocence now seem long over. In one way, the attacks of September
11 were defiant acts of war against the United States, and against
U.S. policies. In that sense, the attacks constituted a test of
our national character, and of our determination. The United States
has shown its resolve by leading the fight against terrorism that
continues today. In the process, we have emerged a stronger nation.
Of course, the September 11 attacks also were aimed at the principles
of freedom, open society, and democratic rights that America has
come to symbolize. These principles are equally important to Romania,
and indeed to much of modern civilization, whether East or West.
Around the globe, all of our countries have come to realize that
freedom and security are two sides of the same coin. For freedom
to exist, our borders must be made secure, but cannot be closed.
Our global trading system is critical to our shared economic well-being,
but it cannot be allowed to fund inadvertently the terrorist activities
that, in fact, threaten world commerce. And none of us can afford
to forget that there are other sources of terrorism than al-Qaida,
even after the peace in Afghanistan eventually is secured.
On this day, we remember with sadness those who lost their lives
senselessly in these cowardly attacks, and those heroes who gave
their lives to save others. Their memory, like that of the World
Trade Center, will forever be etched in history. These lost lives
helped galvanize a new international solidarity against terrorism,
as an array of nations and of organizations as diverse as NATO,
the United Nations, the Organization of American States and the
Organization of the Islamic Conference joined in condemning terrorist
aggression. Romania can be particularly proud of the role it has
played, its soldiers serving shoulder-to-shoulder with America's
finest in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan.
For this international solidarity, and for Romania's steadfast
partnership, my country is profoundly grateful. I offer you our
most sincere appreciation, as we look back together, in renewed
solidarity, upon a sad and solemn day of loss."
Remarks
Of The President Bush To Commemorate September 11th
>>
Speech
by Michael Guest, U.S. Ambassador to Romania Cotroceni Palace
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