speeches
Berlin-Brandenburg Firefighters Association - September 11 Memorial Ceremony
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr.
Cottbus
September 10, 2006
Dear Herr Helmdach,
Minister Schoenbohm
Landrat Friese,
Lord Mayor Kelch,
President Broemme,
Members of the Berlin and Brandenburg Parliaments,
Distinguished guests,
Tomorrow, we will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11. It will be a day of mourning for those who lost their lives. We will honor the spirit of those who stepped forward and responded with extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Rescue and response personnel converged from all around New York on downtown Manhattan in an effort to save lives. Their acts of heroism occupy a permanent place in our history and in our hearts. As a result of their bravery and commitment, citizens around the world have come to appreciate even more the role that firefighters and police officers play in our societies. We commend those present today – people like Anthony Leonick and Kevin Dermody who were both firefighters who responded to the emergency calls from the World Trade Center on September 11. They are both here today with their families.
With us today is also Nancy Kammerer, from the Friends of Firefighters, and William Schleyer, from the Steuben Association, an organization representing members of the New York City Police Department of German or Austrian heritage. We commend you all and join you in remembering those who are no longer with us and their friends and loved ones.
We also remember the compassion of people around the world. In the days after September 11, thousands of people came to the Embassy in Berlin and our Consulates around the country to offer their condolences. The people of Germany displayed in countless ways their support for America and Americans.
The Berlin Fire Department built a bridge to America. Contributions came in from around the country and arrangements were made to invite colleagues who were part of World Trade Center rescue operations, their family members, and relatives of victims to Germany. Many people collected money and gave of their time to make the necessary arrangements.
They greeted and received people in their homes. The initiative was a source of great comfort not just to the New Yorkers affected, but all Americans. We were grateful and touched by these acts of generosity and compassion. What a fine example of German-American friendship and what better testimony to our common values and ideals.
9/11 reaffirmed our faith in the essential dignity of every individual. Although terrorists have repeatedly shown their contempt for human life, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. Those who honor life have prevailed. Our spirit is unbroken. In fact, it is stronger than ever. Our ability to bring about a peaceful world depends on how we can work together, side by side, as partners. That is what we learned from September 11 -- to reach out to each other across borders as we defend our values.
I am sure that none of us here today will ever forget where we were or what we were doing when we first heard the terrible news about what happened in New York, Washington, and a field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. The images of that day will never leave us but the image I recall when I think of 9/11 is a memorial lights ceremony at Ground Zero. Twin beacons of light shone up into the Manhattan night sky. I keep a photograph of those towers of light in my office because for me they are symbolic of the unwavering spirit that carried us through the worst day in America’s history – with the help of our friends.
On a personal note, one of our sons is a Police Officer in Los Angeles. Each year he has gone to participate in the ceremonies at Ground Zero in New York. He always reminds me, more police officers, and I believe firefighters died on that single day than ever before in American history. Sue and I know the courage of first responders and we are honored to be with you today.
Thank you.
As prepared for delivery.
