Counter Terrorism

Remarks by Acting U.S. Consul General Kenneth Jarrett
At the September 11 Anniversary Commemoration
December 11, 2001
Hong Kong

(As prepared for delivery)

Three months ago today, innocent citizens from some 80 nations were attacked and killed, without warning or provocation, in an act that horrified not only every American, but every person of every faith, and every nation that values human life. The attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania were the sort of event that sears itself onto our collective memory. Like few other events of my lifetime, September 11 crossed that invisible line that defines human decency and changed the way we look at evil.

In just a few moments, we will mark the exact time when the first of two planes slammed into New York's World Trade Center on that fateful day. The spokesman for the Taliban leader, Mullah Omar, has told us we should forget the September 11 attacks. To that, our answer must be no - we will never forget September 11. And that is why President Bush has asked us to come together this evening. Similar ceremonies are being held around the world, at the very same time we gather here tonight, as well as in cities and towns across the United States.

I welcome the participation this evening of Mr. C.H. Tung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and other senior representatives of the Hong Kong SAR government and legislature. Allow me also to welcome the many members of the consular corps and leaders from the American community. Your presence reflects the desire of people of all cultures to live together in safety and dignity. If there is a great divide in our time, it is not between religions or cultures, but between civilization and barbarism.

What happened on September 11 was not just about America and Americans. Yes, the attacks took place on American soil, but these were attacks on the heart and soul of the civilized world. We must never forget the innocent victims and the brave heroes who died attempting to save them. We must never forget the survivors, the children, the devastated families, and the grieving friends they left behind. And we must never forget that the victims came from around the globe - including Hong Kong and China - and represented many races and religions.

In just a few moments, we will light a candle in memory of those who sacrificed their lives on September 11 and play the national anthems of the United States and the People's Republic of China. The playing of national anthems will coincide with similar actions in capital cities across the earth. These worldwide events will demonstrate that the world stands as one in this moment of remembrance. It will also serve to remind us of the terrorists' dark and frightening vision, which, through courage and perseverance, we will soon relegate to history's unmarked grave of discarded lies. Those who embrace terrorism would like nothing more than to silence the civilized world's vocal and unified opposition to their horrific methods. We cannot, and must not, allow ourselves to be cowed into silence. Instead, let the nations of the world join together in unity as we do tonight through these simultaneous commemorations. In so doing, we ensure that the light of freedom and opportunity will once again outshine the terrorists' vision of murder, hatred and fear.

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