September 11, 2002
Remarks at September 11 Concert, offered by the American Embassy and American Chamber of Commerce to the Romanian People
Mr. President; Mr. Prime Minister; dear friends:
This has been an emotional day of painful remembrance - remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, and of their families; remembrance of the shock we all felt that terrible day; remembrance of how much simpler and more innocent the world once seemed, not so long ago.
We can never forget September 11 - nor should we. But one day, September 11 will be remembered not for its pain, but as a moment in which the world stopped to realize something truly fundamental. That we are all human. That life is precious. That our basic values - of life, of security and of peace - are all the same. And that those freedoms and values can be protected only by standing united against terrorism.
Mr. President, on September 11, and over the year since, America's community here has felt the warm friendship and embrace of the Romanian people. For that, and for Romania's partnership in the fight against terrorism, we are deeply grateful.
This evening, the American community is offering this concert to you, our Romanian friends. The concert represents a small gesture of thanks - one offered with humility, and from the heart. Thank you for the support you have offered in our time of need, and thank you for the friendship we have found here in Romania.
I would also like to thank the "George Enescu" Philharmonic Orchestra, and its conductor, Maestro Cristian Mandeal, for performing this concert tonight in this beautiful hall. Many, many thanks!
There are, of course, others who made this evening's concert possible. Those who provided financial support are listed in your programs, and we thank them for their heartfelt generosity. Many Embassy staff, American Chamber of Commerce employees, and private citizens also gave generously of their time, so as to join in thanking this wonderful country, which has become for us a home. To all of them, I offer my personal gratitude.
Finally, Mr. President, for many Americans, including myself, the most emotional moment of 9/11 came when firefighters raised the American flag in the charred wreckage of the World Trade Center. I'm proud to present to you this evening the American flag - a symbol of dignity and freedom. Its case is inscribed with the words, "Together in remembrance, united in resolve." I ask that you accept this gift as an expression of our appreciation to the Romanian people.