Statement by U.S. Ambassador John Beyrle on the Anniversary of 9/11 tragedy

Ambassador Beyrle with Father Zaccaeus during the 9/11 commemoration ceremony.

Ambassador John Beyrle commemorated the anniversary of the September 11^th attacks at St. Catherine’s Church in Moscow.  Together with representatives from the Russian Orthodox Church and other dignitaries, Ambassador Beyrle remembered all victims of terrorism at this special religious service.

Father Zaccaeus,  Ladies and Gentlemen.

Today we remember the almost 3000 innocent people who lost their lives in the horrific terrorist attacks on New York and Washington eight years ago. 

Eight years have passed, but they have not erased the shock, horror and pain that we all felt on that day.   We all remember where we were when we heard the news, and the disbelief that we felt at first, and then the sorrow.   We also remember the expressions of sympathy that came from around the world, and particularly here in Russia.  President Putin was the first to call President Bush, and ordinary Russians piled flowers in front of our Embassy and our Consulates.  We remember that with deep gratitude. 

If political differences have sometimes separated Russia and the United States, grief for the victims of terrorist acts in our countries has brought us together.   We mourned together for the victims of 9/11, for the victims of Beslan, and for the victims of other terrorist acts that killed our innocent citizens.

The battle against terrorism is not a battle between different religions.  It is a battle between those who believe in tolerance and democracy, and those who preach  hatred and wish to inspire fear.  

The best   monument we can build for the victims of 9/11 and other terrorist attacks is a world where terrorists have no friends and no place to hide,    Let us join together, Russians and Americans, to make a world where our children and grandchildren can live without fear.

Thank you.