This is an unedited release from the White House of President Obama's remarks at a 9/11 ceremony:
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good morning. Scripture tells us, “We count as blessed those who have persevered.”
Secretary Hagel, General Dempsey, members of
our Armed Forces, and, most of all, the survivors of that September day
and the families of those we lost –- Michelle and I are humbled to be
with you once again.
It has now been 13 years. Thirteen years
since the peace of an American morning was broken. Thirteen years since
nearly 3,000 beautiful lives were taken from us, including 125 men and
women serving here at the Pentagon. Thirteen
years of moments they would have shared with us. Thirteen years of
memories they would have made.
Here, once more, we pray for the souls of
those we remember, for you, their families, who love them forever, and
for a nation that has been inspired by your example -- your
determination to carry on, your resolve to live lives worthy
of their memories.
As Americans, we draw
strength from you. For your love is the ultimate rebuke to the hatred
of those who attacked us that bright, blue morning. They sought to do
more than bring down buildings or murder our people.
They sought to break our spirit and to prove to the world that their
power to destroy was greater than our power to persevere and to build.
But you, and America, proved them wrong.
America endures in the
strength of your families who, through your anguish, kept living. You
have kept alive a love that no act of terror can ever extinguish. You,
their sons and daughters, are growing into extraordinary
young men and women they knew you could be. By your shining example,
your families have turned this day into something that those who
attacked us could never abide, and that is a tribute of hope over fear,
and love over hate.
America endures in the
tenacity of our survivors. After grievous wounds, you learned to walk
again and stand again. After terrible burns, you smiled once more. For
you, for our nation, these have been difficult
years. But by your presence here today, in the lives of service that
you have led, you embody the truth that no matter what comes our way,
America will always come out stronger.
America endures in the
dedication of those who keep us safe. The firefighter, the officer, the
EMT who carries the memory of a fallen partner as they report to work
each and every day, prepared to make the same
sacrifice for us all. Because of these men and women, Americans now
work in a gleaming Freedom Tower. We visit our great cities, we fill
our stadiums and cheer for our teams. We carry on, because, as
Americans, we do not give in to fear -- ever.
America endures in the
courage of the men and women who serve under our flag. Over more than a
decade of war, this 9/11 Generation has answered our country’s call,
and three months from now,
our combat mission
in Afghanistan will come to an end. Today, we honor all who have made
the ultimate sacrifice these 13 years, more than 6,800 American
patriots. And we give thanks to those who serve in harm’s way to keep
our country safe and meet the threats of our time.
America endures in that perennial optimism that defines us as a people. Beginning tomorrow,
there will be teenagers –- young adults –- who were born after 9/11.
It’s remarkable. And while these young Americans
did not know the horrors of that day, their lives have been shaped by
all the days since -- a time that has brought us pain, but also taught
us endurance and strength; a time of rebuilding, of resilience, and of
renewal. What gives us hope –- what gives me
hope -– is that it is these young Americans who will shape all the days
to come.
Thirteen years after small
and hateful minds conspired to break us, America stands tall and
America stands proud. And guided by the values that sustain us, we will
only grow stronger. Generations from now, Americans
will still fill our parks, our stadiums, our cities. Generations from
now, Americans will still build towers that reach toward the heavens;
still serve in embassies that stand for freedom around the world; still
wear the uniform and give meaning to those
words written two centuries ago: Land of the free. Home of the
Brave. Generations from now, no matter the trial, no matter the
challenge, America will always be America.
“We count as blessed those who have persevered.”
May God bless your
families, who continue to inspire us all. May God bless our Armed
Forces and all who serve to keep us safe. And may God continue to bless
the United States of America.
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