embassy events 2009

U.S. Remembers Eighth Anniversary of September 11, 2001

11 September 2009

U.S. Marines salute the American flag, lowered to half-staff  (more photos)

To honor the memory of the individuals who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, President Barack Obama proclaimed September 11, 2009 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.  In addition to flying the flag at half staff at all U.S. agencies and installations in the United States and worldwide, a moment of silence to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 will be observed beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time. Additionally, the President called upon all Americans to join in service and honor the lives we lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect our country at home and abroad.

In Warsaw, The Embassy community gathered to remember the victims of September 11 in a ceremony in front of the Embassy.  Ambassador Victor Ashe gave welcoming remarks, in which he called upon the community to “always remember to never forget, while looking forward to the future, and working in a spirit of partnership with people and nations across the world to confront this ideology of hate and foster a climate of hope and opportunity.”  Following Amb. Ashe’s remarks, Consular Officer Elizabeth Blumenthal read “Towers,” a poem written by Julia Hartwig, winner of the 2009 Czeslaw Milosz Award for Contributions to U.S.-Polish Understanding.  Rev. Larry Huddleston then gave a reflection, and the U.S. Marine Security Guard Detachment lowered the American flag to half-staff. 

The full text of President Obama’s Proclamation can be found here.