Embassy News
U.S. Embassy Observes 9/11 Anniversary, Encourages Participation in "Day of Service" (09/11/2009)
On the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the U.S. embassy community gathered together to commemorate the tragic events. U.S. embassy staff and visitors watched as Marines lowered the flag to half-staff in honor of the individuals who lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks. Ambassador Norland addressed the crowd – which included nearly 100 Chai Chat guests – by noting the devastation of that day, but also the courage and heroism which the tragedy engendered. After the Ambassador’s remarks, attendees participated in a minute of silence, which took place at 5:46 pm local time - the time when Flight 11 hit the World Trade Center’s North Tower. Ambassador Norland also encouraged our guests to participate in the Embassy’s upcoming “Day of Service” donation drive and documentary screening.
“Thank you for taking time out of your day to join people all around the world who are gathering today to remember this eighth anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001. For many Americans, 9/11 remains a defining moment in our lives and for our nation. Even today, it is difficult to fully comprehend the devastation and loss of life flowing from the loss of nearly 3,000 men, women, and children of all backgrounds and faiths. Citizens of 90 nations died with Americans in Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania, including a citizen of Uzbekistan who was in the World Trade Center when it fell.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Uzbekistan -- the Ambassador of Turkmenistan -- called me this morning to express his condolences to the United States on the eighth anniversary of the attacks.
9/11 was an immeasurable tragedy. But amid the horror of that day, we also witnessed tremendous courage, valor and sacrifice – embodied in first responders who gave their own lives to save those in need, and in extraordinary citizens who fought back over the skies of Pennsylvania, and in doing so became heroes. We remember that millions of people from nations around the world, having seen the horrors of terrorism, now stand united behind the ideal that the destructive agendas of radicals shall never eclipse the light of liberty. On this solemn anniversary, we rededicate ourselves to this cause.
President Barack Obama has encouraged Americans and all U.S. Embassies around the globe to commemorate the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 through a Day of Service. Thus, U.S. Embassy Tashkent is organizing a donation drive coupled with a screening of the documentary film “Beyond Belief” on September 22 at 5:00 pm. This is a moving film about two ordinary American mothers who lost their husbands on 9/11. However, rather than turning inward with grief, these women dedicate themselves to helping Afghan widows. We ask all who attend to bring a small donation – for example, some soap, a towel, laundry detergent, a toy – which will we give to a local orphanage.
We thank the citizens of Uzbekistan for their support and sympathy for the events of 9/11. People here joined the global community in watching the tragedy unfold in the U.S. In response, Uzbekistan also joins the U.S. and the world in supporting global efforts to root out the seeds of terrorism and build a world of peace. Thank you for what each of you does here every day to advance this noble goal. It is an honor to be serving in Tashkent with you.”
- Ambassador Richard B. Norland, U.S. Embassy, Tashkent, September 11, 2009.