Press Release: Remarks by Amy Klobuchar at September 11th Firefighters Memorial

Remarks by Amy Klobuchar at September 11th Firefighters Memorial
Monday, 11 September 2006

Amy Klobuchar delivered the following remarks at a memorial for those who gave their lives on September 11th at a memorial on Harriet Island hosted by Local 21 of the International Association of Firefighters:

"There is no tribute like remembrance.

"For the family members of those who died on September 11, 2001 -- there are no right words today. So we stand and remember.

"Five years, ten years, twenty years will not take away the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks from their hearts of these families or erase the vivid images of two American cities on fire.

"But, in the ashes of a shattered city, the determined faces of our citizens, the strength of our people and the might of our law enforcement personnel, and firefighters prevailed -- and reminded us of the courage of our nation.

"Ernest Hemingway once said, "The definition of courage is grace under fire."

"It was grace that you saw in the faces of first responders in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania on September 11. It is the same grace police, and fire fighters and emergency personnel demonstrate every time they step into a burning building or enter a crime scene.

"It was courage that we witnessed from coast to coast in the uncertain days that followed September 11. The United States turned an act of unfathomable destruction into unwavering determination and resolve - we stood together and without flinching we re-built.

"Five years after September 11, we still live in times of great threat. This is a new era of national security - a war with terrorists who engage on new battlefields, internationally.

"It is an honor and a privilege to stand among friends and the brave firefighters of this state, in remembrance today.

"As a nation we have been steadfast and resolute. We must continue the legacy of September 11 - the legacy of a great nation that has turned its darkest national hours - marred by destruction -- into the unbeatable determination to rebuild, resolve and face any challenge to our nation with courage and grace under fire.

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