20 years after September 11, 2001, we commemorate the 2,977 lives we lost and honor those who risked and gave their lives. As we saw in the days that followed, unity is our greatest strength. It’s what makes us who we are — and we can’t forget that. pic.twitter.com/WysK8m3LAb
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 10, 2021
“…Yet we also witnessed the darker forces of human nature. Fear and anger, resentment and violence against Muslim Americans, true and faithful followers of a peaceful religion. We saw a national unity bend. We learned that unity is the one thing that must never break. Unity is what makes us who we are. America at its best.
“To me, that’s the central lesson of September 11th. It’s that at our most vulnerable, in the push and pull of all that makes us human, in the battle for the soul of America, unity is our greatest strength. Unity doesn’t mean we have to believe the same thing. We must have a fundamental respect and faith in each other and in this nation.
“We are unique in the history of the world because we’re the only nation, based on an idea, an idea that everyone is created equal, and should be treated equally throughout their lives. That is the task before us. To once again, lead not just by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. And I know we can.
“For I know hope is not simply an expectation. Hope is a conviction. Hope allows us to act with courage, to act and honor those we lost 20 years ago. And those who have given their whole souls to the cause of this nation, every day since. To act and build a future, not a reactionary one or one based on fear, but a future of promise strength, and grace, worthy of their dreams and sacrifice. And to act and keep the faith that while life is fragile, it is truly something wonderful. We find strength in its broken places, as Hemingway wrote. We find light in the darkness. We find purpose to repair, renew, and rebuild. And as my friend told me that September 20 years ago, we must not be afraid. May God bless you all. May God bless the lives lost on September 11th, 2001, and their loved ones who were left behind. And may God protect our troops.”
— PRESIDENT BIDEN, on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
