The United States Mission in Geneva held an internal ceremony September 11, 2006 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of 9/11.   Diplomats and members of the Mission community observed a moment of silence at 2.46 p.m. in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and of all other innocent victims of terrorism around the globe.

Ceremony Commemorating the Fifth Anniversary of 9/11
Remarks by Ambassador Warren W. Tichenor
at the United States Mission in Geneva

Good afternoon friends, colleagues, honored guests.

It is written that to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens.

Today, it is our time and purpose to remember and to renew.

To remember by observing a day of prayer and remembrance for loved ones and lives lost, And

To renew our resolve to prevail over the enemy to secure a future of peace and freedom.    

Today marks the fifth anniversary of September 11, 2001, a sad day for America and nations around the world who lost 2,992 innocent civilians in the terrorist attacks of that day, in the attacks on the World Trade Center, in the field in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon in Washington.

The victims of 9/11 were a reflection of our world, they came from 90 nations, including here in Switzerland, and from many faiths.  We are here today to honor their memory.

I would like to express my personal gratitude, and that of the U.S. Mission community here in Geneva, to the men and women who provide us with protection on a daily basis.   To our Marine Security Guard Detachment, to our local security guards, and to the Swiss Government, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and hard work. 

The fifth anniversary of 9/11 is also a reminder of the shared challenge we face as an international community in confronting terrorism because terrorism affects us all, it knows no boundary.  It has brought tragedy and terrible grief to innocent people across the world, from Indonesia to Morocco, Spain, Jordan, England, India and Egypt. Terrorists have shown no mercy for human life regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.

The anniversary is an appropriate occasion for the international community to reaffirm our condemnation of all acts of terror.  No faith condones the killing of innocent civilians, and no cause or grievance - no matter how legitimate – can ever justify it.

The fight against terrorism is a fight for values and principles that are universal.  Much more unites us as citizens of the world than divides us.  All major religions teach that life is precious, and that taking innocent life, including your own, is wrong.

As President Bush said on July 4, 2006, “We will defeat the terrorists and their hateful ideology by spreading the hope of freedom across the world.”  But the war on terror is a different kind of war, involving both a battle of arms and a battle of ideas.  Not only are we fighting terrorists on the battlefield, but we are also promoting the precious gifts of human freedom and dignity as alternatives to the terrorists' vision of oppression and totalitarian rule. 

The United States is working with our friends and allies to defeat violent extremism as a threat to free and open societies, and to create a global environment that does not accept violent extremists and their supporters. In short, we are seeking, through international cooperation, to advance freedom and human dignity through democracy and the spread of liberty.

Effective democracies uphold basic human rights, including freedom of religion, speech, assembly, association, an independent media, and a marketplace of ideas to expose and discredit falsehoods.  They offer the rule of law, accountability, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

They are the long-term answer to the ideology of hate and terrorism today.  This is the battle of ideas, and together we will win.

The UN has a vital contribution to make.  The world community, working through the General Assembly and the UN specialized agencies, has adopted 13 conventions and protocols covering specific acts of terrorism.  More needs to be done.  Member States are currently working on a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.  It is vital for everyone’s security that this convention be concluded as soon as possible.

The Security Council has also adopted several resolutions aimed at combating terrorism, the most notable of which followed the events of 9/11.  Resolution 1373 (2001), gave a broad counter-terrorism mandate to the international community and established the Counter-Terrorism Committee to monitor and assist States’ implementation of the resolution.

All 191 members of the UN agreed at a World Summit in New York in 2005 on a condemnation of terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes.”  World leaders also agreed to make every effort to reach agreement on a common definition of terrorism and to finalize a comprehensive convention on combating terrorism. They welcomed the elements of a strategy put forward by the Secretary-General to combat terrorism.

Please allow me now to read from President Bush’s Proclamation on this day, September 11, 2006, a day designated by the President and the U.S. Congress as Patriot Day, in honor of the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  

“On the fifth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, we recall the fire and horror at the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field.  America will always remember the thousands of innocent lives taken by the enemies of freedom that morning.

In the face of these unspeakable attacks, we were reminded that the great strength of America is found in the hearts and souls of our citizens. We witnessed firefighters, police officers, other public safety officials, and ordinary Americans demonstrate extraordinary courage, risking their lives to save innocent victims. We saw our country united in compassion as Americans came together to provide relief and bring hope to others.

Today, America is fighting a war that is testing our Nation's resolve. We are once again answering history's call with confidence, and we know that freedom will prevail. Our brave men and women in uniform have stepped forward to fight our enemies abroad so that we do not have to face them here at home, and we are grateful for the courageous individuals bringing terrorists to justice around the world.

We are also confronting the extremists in the great ideological struggle of the 21st century. September the 11th made clear that, in the long run, the only way to secure our Nation is to advance liberty and democracy as the great alternatives to repression and radicalism. By working together with our friends and allies, we are helping spread the blessings of freedom and laying the foundations of peace for generations to come.

The events of September 11, 2001, will always be a defining moment in our history. We hold the victims and their families in our hearts, and we lift them up in our prayers.”

In memory and in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and all other innocent victims of terrorism around the globe, and with our flag at half mast, let us observe a moment of silence.

Moment of Silence observed at 2:46 p.m.  local time (8.46 a.m. eastern daylight time, the hour at which American Airlines flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center)

While this conflict was begun on the timing of others, it will conclude in a way, and at an hour chosen by the freedom-loving nations of the world.  And, today we renew our commitment to serve our fellow countrymen and our great country here at the U.S. Mission in Geneva, confident in the final outcome, secure in the knowledge of what America can achieve when our nation acts with strong resolve and clear purpose. 

With vigilance, determination and courage we will prevail and leave behind a more peaceful world for our children and grandchildren.

May God bless the souls of the departed.  May he comfort our own and may he continue to grant us wisdom and to guide and bless America.

Thank you all for coming and God bless.