Remarks by U.S. Ambassador George L. Argyros at the Commemorative Service
Sponsored by the Municipality of Madrid on the First Anniversary of the
Terrorist Attacks on the U.S. Held in the Plaza de Colón, September 11, 2002
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President of Constitutional Court, Manuel Jiménez de Parga signs in the
panel city council of Madrid's homage to victims of terrorist attacks of
Sep.11 at Plaza de Colón, Madrid, 09/11/02
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U.S. flag in city council of Madrid's
homage to victims of terrorist attacks of Sep.11 at Plaza de Colón, Madrid,
09/11/02 |
Your Excellency Señor Alvarez del Manzano, distinguished
guests, friends:
We gather here today in Madrid to remember what many have justly called “an
attack on civilization.” We mourn the senseless deaths of nearly 3000 people,
including a Spanish woman, who woke up on September 11, 2001, went to work, and
never returned home. We also honor those whose selfless acts on that tragic day
saved so many lives. Through this solemn event, in the shadow of a brave Spanish
hero and discoverer of the Americas, Christopher Columbus, to whom this
magnificent plaza is dedicated, we reaffirm our respect for our fellow man and
our determination to fight against terrorism, wherever it may threaten.
The people of Spain know far too well that, although the United States was
attacked on September 11, terrorism is not only an American problem. Terrorism
is a cruel, everyday reality that threatens all of us -- but this is changing.
The world’s revulsion over the tragic events of September 11 has been
transformed into a mighty coalition of more than ninety countries, fighting in a
just cause that cannot be deterred. We are bound by the belief that one
terrorist anywhere is a threat to liberty everywhere, and we will remain
committed to that ideal until we have rid the world of this scourge and built a
better world for our children.
Mr. Mayor, friends, the United States offers its gratitude to the people of
Spain and to your leaders, for your many expressions of support and as a
powerful ally in the war against terrorism. I am deeply honored and humbled to
represent George Bush and our country here in Spain. The American people are
grateful for the support and contributions given to us by Spain. You have stood
by us this last year as you have done many times before. You are a great people
with a rich heritage and an important American friend.
May God continue to bless Spain and the United States.
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