Speeches

Remarks by U. S. Ambassador John Price on the occasion of the September 11th Commemoration and Unveiling of the Plaque “We Stand United”

September 11, 2004, 16:30
Macarty House

Fellow Americans,
Embassy colleagues,
Distinguished Guests,
 
I would like to begin by thanking each of you for taking the time today to express your solidarity with fellow Americans at home and around the world.
 
Three years ago today, the world witnessed the American spirit in all its glory.  From the darkness of a terrorist attack, Americans showed their true mettle.  In the depths of profound grief, we helped one another.  In the midst of great fear, we showed courage and determination.  We stood united in the face of peril.  As New Yorkers raised our flag over the ruins of the twin towers, we shared their strength and determination.  And we showed that, for as long as our country stands, people can look to the resurrection of New York City and say:  Here buildings fell and here a nation rose.
 
Innocent people from 87 countries were murdered in the attacks of September 11 -- 3,000 men and women of every continent, culture, creed, race and religion.  And in the ensuing three years, more nations have experienced first-hand the violence of terrorism, including nations on the great continent of Africa.  People from all over the world agree that those attacks were not only perpetrated against the countries whose citizens lost their precious lives, but against all of us who cherish the principles of freedom, democracy, peace and tolerance.
 
The President of the United States, George W. Bush, has proclaimed this day, September 11th, as Patriot Day.   At the U.S. Embassy Port Louis, we join together as a community in this ceremony of remembrance and mutual commitment to these values.    
 
What we witnessed that day, three years ago, was surely one of the saddest times in our history.   Yet, what we witnessed in the days following September 11th were moments of unparalleled bravery and hope, kindness and fortitude.  Each of us has found our own unique way to remember this tragic day.  Many have felt a renewed sense of purpose in their lives.  I have chosen to create this memorial:  a commemorative plaque, mounted on basalt rock, and a tree planting, to honor that day.  The rock symbolizes strength and longevity:  the strength and longevity of America as we face the post-9/11 world with all its challenges.  The earth on which the rock stands symbolizes constancy: the constancy of American ideals and values throughout our history and into our future.  And the tree which I will plant today symbolizes life: new life and re-newed life for all those oppressed by terrorism around the world.
 
I am placing the plaque here, at Macarty House, to personally recognize the strong bond of friendship and support between the people of Mauritius and the United States.  The United States is grateful to Mauritius and to all nations who have stood United with us in support of our shared principles.  As our two countries continue to work even more closely together, strongly united in the pursuit of democratic ideals we, along with all those nations who value freedom, will help to ensure a more closely-knit world, one that is better and safer for our children.
 
The words engraved on the plaque are as follows:
 
In commemoration of September 11, 2001,
Ambassador John Price
and the U.S. Embassy Port Louis
wish to dedicate this memorial
to honor and remember those who died
in the tragic terrorist attacks on the United States
and to those heroes who lost their lives saving others. 
May future generations never doubt that
freedom will always prevail
and, as Americans,
we stand united.
 
Dedicated by Ambassador John Price
September 11, 2004  - Patriot Day

On behalf of the President of the United States of America, George W. Bush, and the American people, I thank you all for joining me today for this memorable and solemn occasion.