Ambassador Moriarty Remarks for Fourth Anniversary of 9/11

September 11, 2005                             <<speech in nepali>>


Mrs. Mandira Basnet, Chairperson, Sathikel Women’s Group;
Mr. Sashi Aryal, former Chairperson, Sathikel VDC;
Members of the Sathikel Mahila Samuha;
Sathikel community;
Friends:

Today we gather to commemorate 9/11.

For me, the memory remains vivid.  Four years after soulless terrorists brutally attacked thousands of innocent brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, Americans as well as citizens of more than 100 other countries -- I still feel the anguish and the anger.  We can all recall that crucial day.  Seven hours after the attack, I was driving just to the west of Manhattan, taking my son to college for the first time.  I will never forget the columns of smoke which stood in place of the twin towers.  Nor should any of us forget the heroism and compassion of those who came to their neighbor’s rescue.  The courage of those who fought to get control of Flight 93.  The unity of our nation, of the world, in resolving -- and acting -- to confront the evil of fanatical terrorism.  We remember it all.

Remembrance is human – it is how we hold on to what is dear but what we can no longer touch and feel.  Moving on is also human – we cannot wallow in our pain.  Today, therefore, is a balancing act.  We pause to mourn the lives lost, but we also pause to consider the joy of the life we live.  Every day matters.  Every moment counts.

When we lose our loved ones, we suffer as individuals.  When we lose loved ones to the brutality of others, our entire society suffers.  Remembering the watershed events of 9/11 and all victims of terrorism reminds us that life is precious, that unity is vital, that those who have hope -- no matter how much in sorrow -- will triumph over those who would crush freedom.  Nepalis in grief over their nation’s current troubles might take comfort in remembering that beauty and life can come out of the darkest moments of history.  But this does require will, and commitment, and the ability to work together.

We are today surrounded by such beauty and life.  The Parphing Peace Grove was created in September 2002 when members of the diplomatic and Nepali communities planted 100 trees for those whose lives were lost.  Last year we planted 12 more trees to honor the 12 Nepalis murdered in Iraq in August 2004.

Today, after we lay a wreath in memory of 9/11, my wife, Lauren, will help me officially open the new Sathikel Women’s Group building by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.  The women of Sathikel have tended to the Peace Grove with great care in loving, living memory of those who died four years ago.  This building is another reminder that it is the nature of life to move on, push forward, and create.  I’m pleased that the friendship between Sathikel Women’s Group and the U.S. Embassy has blossomed along with the trees in this Peace Grove.  Lauren and I are honored to open the new center today and in doing so to open a new chapter in the life of this community.


(IN NEPALI)

Please observe a moment of silence as I lay a wreath in memory of our fallen brothers and sisters and in memory of all the people from many different countries and faiths who have been killed by terrorists.  I pray that God will continue to watch over and bless America -- and Nepal.