Speeches - Six-Month Commemoration of Terrorist Attacks

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Remarks of
The Honorable Bob Etheridge
Six-Month Commemoration of Terrorist Attacks
March 11, 2002

"On behalf of the people of North Carolina and the people of this great country, I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of September 11 and heartfelt thanks for the countless acts of heroism we have witnessed in the past six months.

"The 9-11 attacks on America have brought us together like never before. We stand united in defense of our country and resolved to win the war against terrorists. That war took an unwelcome turn last week when several of our brave fighting men were wounded or killed in battle in Afghanistan. Many of those soldiers had deep North Carolina ties, and we ask God to comfort their families in their grief.

"But we must remember that last week's casualties were not the first casualties of this war. This war's original casualties were the innocent men, women and children who were savagely slaughtered six months ago today. The pain of these losses must gird us for the battles to come because this war must be prosecuted until terrorists no longer threaten innocent Americans.

"That tragic September day and the days since have taught America a lot about herself. We have learned to appreciate the many every day heroes like firefighters, police officers, EMS workers, and others that for too long had been taken for granted. We have been reminded of the true importance of our vital American ideals of liberty, equality and justice for all. And we have learned that the true test of character is not whether or not you get knocked down; the true test of character is whether or not you get back up.

"In the six months since September 11, America is back on her feet, and we will not rest until we eliminate Osama bin Laden, Mullah Omar and the entire international terrorist network. We owe those who have lost their lives no less."