Selected Events in 2006

Ambassador Timken Speaks on the Fifth Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr.

Five years have passed since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. On that day, nearly 3000 innocents from more than 90 different countries died horribly. We mourn all those who died. We also honor the spirit of the police officers, the firefighters and all those who stepped forward to respond with extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Their acts of heroism occupy a place of honor in our history and in our hearts.

The images and stories of that terrible day remind us of the treasure of human life. Who cannot remember where they were when they first heard the news or saw that an airplane had plowed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in Manhattan?

I was in Washington on Capitol Hill that terrible morning. My wife and I drove hundreds of miles back to our home in Ohio because there were, of course, no flights. On the way back to Canton, we passed the burning Pentagon. We even passed the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania where Flight 93 went down.

I visit New York frequently and to this day, when I am there on a clear, blue sky day, I remember September 11 and the images of the twin towers. I also remember the two beacons of light shining right up into the black night sky above Manhattan at a Ground Zero memorial ceremony. In my office, I have a photograph of those towers of light because for me they are symbolic of human spirits rising to the heavens. We will not forget.

The fifth anniversary of September 11 is an occasion for the international community to reaffirm our condemnation of all acts of terror. No religious faith condones the deliberate targeting and killing of innocent civilians. No cause or grievance can ever justify it. The fight against terrorism is a confirmation of universal values and principles. All major religions share a commitment to social justice, compassion, and love of family. Each anniversary of September 11 stands as evidence that good continues to prevail over evil.

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