September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Centrum Judaicum

Berlin, September 11, 2008

Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr. 

 

Mr. Simon, Mrs. Suesskind, Mrs. Knobloch, Reverend Coltvet,  Imam Heider, Rabbi Ederberg, Dr. Joffe,

Ladies and gentlemen,  Friends,

Each year since September 11, 2001, Americans join together in their communities in National Days of Prayer and Remembrance to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on that terrible day and to honor all those who responded in the face of terror.  For Sue and me, it has been a true measure of the strong connections between our two countries that each year our German friends remember with us the pain and devastation of 9/11.  The passage of time cannot erase those memories or the grief of those who lost loved ones but there is a lesson to be drawn from the tragedy -- namely the importance of bringing people together to counteract the rhetoric of hate and dreadful acts of terror.  It serves to remind us of our love for our fellow human beings. 

This is the fourth 9/11 memorial event Sue and I have had the privilege of co-hosting during our time in Germany.  Each year an interfaith service, organized in collaboration with our friends in Berlin's Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities, has been the focal point of our commemoration.  We are grateful to each and every organization that has helped the Embassy commemorate the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  Two years ago, the ceremony was held at the American Church in Kreuzberg.  Last year we partnered with the Muslim Academy and Berlin's Commission for Integration and Migration.  This year, I would like to thank the Centrum Judaicum for hosting this ceremony in remembrance of all the victims of terrorism, regardless of their religion, race, or nationality.    

Personally, I have always believed that people of all faiths have much in common.  Most people want similar things for themselves and their families – education and health care, a safe neighborhood, a good job.  They want their lives to make a difference.   These are not dreams owned by any one nation or people, but shared human dreams.   

As a Christian, my highest commandments are to love God and love my neighbor.  My Jewish and Muslim friends tell me the same is true for them.    

Seven years after September 11, 2001, we mourn together with those who still mourn, and find comfort through faith.  Together we pray for those who were lost and for strength in the work ahead. 

Thank you for being with us today.  God bless us all.