Ambassador Rooney's Remarks at 9/11 Ceremony

Go raibh maith agat, Ryan

Madame President, An Taoiseach, Distinguished Ambassadors, Honored Guests, Friends:

Fáilte

Today we gather in solemn remembrance of those who were killed, ten years ago.  The images of skyscrapers brought down, of our nation’s capital under attack, of the smoking wreckage in a lonely field in Pennsylvania, are seared in our memory.  Ten years ago, today, the world stopped in horror and stood by our side.  Ten years ago, our hearts were broken with grief.

Our hearts are still heavy with the burden of grief, the heaviness of loss and the silent prayers in the nighttime of loved ones left behind.

Now we pause, in grateful wonder, for all those who selflessly rushed into harm’s way to help others on that tragic day.  These heroes, these firemen, these policemen, first-responders, clergy, soldiers, colleagues, brothers, sisters, who did not run from danger, but ran into danger. We salute some of these brave men who are with us in this place.

Today we honor heroes.  Heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things.  Heroes rise to meet the challenge.  Heroes are ordinary people on a plane over Shanksville who, in the instant of opportunity, united to fight rather than give up.  Heroes are those who, rather than allow another attack on our nation’s Capitol, rose as one from their seats on a plane.  Greater love hath no man than this – that he would give his life for others.

Today we honor the memories of those who have given their lives in the long struggle against terrorism.  We honor those who have answered the call to protect the United States and our friends.  We honor those who serve, and have served, in every corner of the world threatened by an evil ideology that attempts to assert itself through vicious and terrifying attacks on peaceful civilians.

We gather together to show that these terrorist attacks have failed.  Though thousands of innocents have fallen, not to rise, those who have used terror have failed.  Individuals, communities, and nations have shown they are stronger than fear.  Though we are ever mindful of our losses, our deep and painful losses, today we together look forward to the future.  We look forward to a better and brighter future.  We stand together, today in this place of remembrance, and every day looking forward to a time without fear, without war.

We thank all those countries who have joined with us in friendship in our struggle.  Ireland is such a friend.  Today, across Ireland, there are many such gatherings of remembrance.  We Americans are so grateful that we do not stand alone.  We are grateful for your friendship.

Today we are in the presence of heroes.  We honor the memory and selfless service of those who have given their lives so that we might live without fear.

Go dté sibh slán

It is my honor to introduce President Mary McAleese.  She, too, is a hero.  She and her husband Senator McAleese are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things.  They are heroes.  They have devoted their lives to bringing peace and reconciliation to this beautiful island. 

Madame President.