#09-11-02: Remarks of Associate Attorney General Jay b. Stephens U.S. Marshals Service Commemoration of September 11 September 11, 2002

hide

You are viewing a Web site, archived on 08:26:16 Nov 01, 2004. It is now a Federal record managed by the National Archives and Records Administration.
External links, forms, and search boxes may not function within this collection.

REMARKS OF ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY B. STEPHENS U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE COMMEMORATION OF SEPTEMBER 11 SEPTEMBER 11, 2002 It is an honor for me to share with you today this solemn commemoration of September 11, a day which shall forever be marked in our history. For this was a day: When the cowardly acts of a few were overshadowed by the courage and heroism of so many; When the effort to break our nation's spirit was met by a unity of purpose that demonstrated unrelenting resolve; When those who plotted our demise were rebuffed by the clarion call to stand up and defend our liberty; When those who believed America was vulnerable felt our unbending strength of purpose; When those who thought we would be paralyzed witnessed an unparalleled mobilization to action; When those who believed they were attacking a hollow, craven culture witnessed the incredible strength of character of the American people; When those who falsely sought to claim the mantel of martyr were exposed as frauds by the countless acts of love, sacrifice, generosity, and selflessness of our fellow Americans. While this was a day when the images of tragedy and horror were seared into our minds, it was also a day that witnessed the triumph of the human spirit. The countless acts of courage and heroism, strength and determination, compassion and self-sacrifice stand as a lasting testament to our indomitable spirit. It was a day that gave us renewed confidence that good shall triumph over evil. Today as we stand here in the shadow of the Pentagon and in the reflection of our nation's shining capital, we mourn our loss - - friends, family, a sense of innocense. But we also tangibly feel the triumph of the human spirit - - that which is good, and right, and just. We know that we shall defend our liberty and our freedom, as each of you do every day. And we know confidently in our hearts that we shall prevail. For prevail we must to preserve the values that have made this a great nation. Thank you. And God bless America.