2008 Speeches
Remarks Ambassador Robert J. Dieter - 11th September 2008
Today we again remember those who fell victim to one of the world’s most horrific acts of terror. Seven years ago this morning, nineteen terrorists tried to destroy our commitment to freedom and democracy by flying two commercial airliners into the World Trade Center in New York City and one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth plane was intended for another target in Washington, but courageous passengers onboard sacrificed their lives to prevent any further destruction.
This act committed by those with misguided ideologies of hatred, division and repression murdered 2,973 innocent people - ordinary men and women from over 90 different countries – ordinary men and women of many faiths, many races, and ages. Two Belizean-Americans were victims that day: Walwyn Wellington Stuart, Jr. and Alva Cynthia Jeffries Sanchez.
Terrorism is an attack on all who believe in progress and tolerance. Despite this evil committed on 9/11, the human spirit remains strong and we remain resolute in our convictions and commitment to fundamentals principles of free and democratic societies.
President Bush has proclaimed today September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day and has directed that the flags be flown at half-staff. Let this be a reminder to us of those who died and of the heroes who emerged from the tragedies of those attacks.