By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2017 — During a Pentagon remembrance
today on the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Defense Secretary
Jim Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Joe
Dunford honored those who died, the survivors and the families left behind.
On that day, 184 people lost their lives in the halls of the
Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77, Dunford said in remarks he made
before introducing the secretary.
“Sixteen years ago, when terrorists attacked the Pentagon,
the World Trade Center, and as they attempted other attacks in Washington,
D.C., they did so with a sense of purpose. They were attacking symbols that
reflect our way of life and our values,” the general said.
The terrorists believed that the attacks would shake U.S.
commitment to those values, he added, and quoted then-President George W. Bush,
who hours after the attacks said the terrorists thought they could frighten
Americans into chaos and retreat. But they were wrong.
Renewed Commitment
“Instead of retreat, the tragedy of 9/11 produced in us an
unyielding resolve,” Dunford said. “Instead of hopelessness, mourning turned
into action. And we have strengthened our commitment to the idea that the
freedom of many should never be endangered by the hatred of a few.”
Recalling the events of 9/11, the general said that it’s
appropriate for those who still serve the nation to remember and honor those
who died, those who still suffer from injuries sustained that day, and those
who were left behind.
“If we truly want to honor those remembered today, each of
us will walk away from this ceremony with a renewed sense of commitment to our
values in the cause of freedom,” he said. “Each of us will walk away from this
simple ceremony reminded that the war is not over and that further sacrifice
will be required, and each of us will walk away with resolve to strengthen our
personal commitment to protect their family, friends and fellow citizens from
another 9/11.”
Boundless Compassion
In his remarks Mattis welcomed the 306 family members
gathered at the Pentagon to remember their loved ones lost 16 years ago today.
“We are here to honor those 2,977 lives claimed by the
brutal attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, -- the men and women who woke that day, never
anticipating an attack on their place of work or against this country,
innocents who hailed from 90 nations and all walks of life,” the secretary
said.
Heroism and compassion were boundless on 9/11, he added.
Patriots from all backgrounds and all walks of life responded with speed,
courage and compassion.
“In the aftermath of the attack,” Mattis said, “our service
members -- our nation -- rallied together as one. For, while we had never asked
for this fight, we are steadfastly committed to seeing it through, as President
[Donald J.] Trump has made abundantly clear, and with no more temporizing, as
our example of leadership galvanized other nations to stand united against this
threat to all humankind.”
The secretary said that “maniacs” disguised in false
religious garb thought that hurting Americans would scare them that day.
“But we Americans are not made of cotton candy, we are not
seaweed drifting in the current, we are not intimidated by our enemies,” the
secretary added.
“And Mr. President, your military does not scare,” Mattis
told Trump, who also spoke at the ceremony.
Protect and Defend
The men and women of America’s armed forces have signed a
blank check to protect the American people and to defend the constitution, a
check payable with their lives, Mattis said.
“Your military stands ready and confident to defend this
country, this experiment in democracy,” the general added. “And we will
continue to do so using all means necessary and as long as necessary.”
On this 16th anniversary of 9/11, Mattis said, “We remember
the loss of so many in New York City, in a somber field in Pennsylvania, and
here in this very building behind me, and in many battles since. And some of
those battles are still raging.”
To the families of those who perished, the secretary added,
“The loss you have endured drives us in our mission today and every day.”
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