“The American story — the American story itself changed that day. But what we did change — what we will not change, what we cannot change, never will, is the character of this nation that the terrorists thought they could wound,” said Biden. Source: Joe Biden, Twitter.
Joe Biden has paid tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks, 21 years on from the event that shocked the world.
In a ceremony at The Pentagon, President Biden spoke to a crowd of people that included families of 9/11 victims, offering his condolences, and remarking that he will forever keep the promise of remembering that fateful day.
“Twenty-one years ago — twenty-one years, and still we kept our promise: Never Forget. We’ll keep the memory of all those precious lives stolen from — from us: 2,977 — at Ground Zero in New York; in Shanksville, where my wife is speaking now — in Pennsylvania; 184 of them here at the Pentagon.
“And I know, for all those of you who lost someone, 21 years is both a lifetime and no time at all.”
On September 11, 2001, terrorist group Al Qaeda carried out several attacks on landmarks around the US.
They hijacked several planes including two that crashed into each tower of the World Trade Centre, one that devastated part of the Pentagon and a fourth which was en-route to destroy a building in Washington D.C but crashed into a field after passengers revolted.
2,977 people were killed and more than 6,000 injured in the world’s deadliest terrorist attack in history.
In his speech, President Biden referred to the late Queen Elizabeth, detailing her support for the US during the 9/11 attacks.
“I remember a message sent to the American people from Queen Elizabeth. It was on September 11. Her ambassador read a prayer of service at St. Thomas Church in New York, where she poignantly reminded us, quote, ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’,” he said.
“Grief is the price we pay for love. Many of us have experienced that grief, and you’ve all experienced it.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also commented on the 21 year anniversary of the tragedy.
“Twenty-one years after the September 11 attacks, the images from that dark day do not fade. But nor do our memories of those who were lost, and those left with loss,” he said.
“We remember the compassion and courage that day, and how it proved greater than any enemy. We will never forget.”
Read Biden’s full speech here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2022/09/11/remarks-by-president-biden-at-9-11-memorial-ceremony/
