Former Ambassador Speeches

Remarks on September 11 Commemoration by Ambassador Reno Harnish

September 10, 2004
Baku, Azerbaijan

What happened on September 11 three years ago was not only a tragedy for Americans, but for men and women throughout the world. The events of that day ended the lives of citizens from over 90 countries, and we must never forget the loss of those innocent lives.

We mourn not only who died and have great sympathy for their families, but we also remember those who have suffered severe physical, psychological, and emotional injuries. While the tragedies of that day were personal for many of us, the consequences of those events have forever changed our world and affect all of us every day of our lives.

We are deeply grateful to the Azerbaijani people for their response to the tragedy. Azerbaijan has wholeheartedly joined with the United States and like-minded countries to defeat the scrouge of terrorism. Recent attacks in Madrid, Istanbul, Beslan and Jakarta remind us that the threat is great.

We must go forward with strength and courage not only because we must remember those who have suffered at the hands of terrorism, but because we must continue to move ahead and build a world based on freedom, liberty, and respect for the differences of humankind. There is much work to be done to ensure that all citizens of all countries in the world enjoy these basic rights, and the United States continues to work towards these ends. We support the hope and progress that democracy offers as the alternative to tyranny and terror.

On this sad anniversary, let us pay tribute to the victims, and let us express our sympathy and solidarity to all of the bereaved.