President Donald J. Trump, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford honor those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack in a ceremony at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Washington, September 11, 2019.
Transcript
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the United States Department of Defense, we welcome you to the Annual September 11 Observance to honor and remember the 184 lives lost on American Airlines Flight 77 and at the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. on September 11th, 2001. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Sajeel Ahmed, Acting Director of Administration and Organizational Policy.
DOD senior leaders, federal congressional leaders, families, friends of the victims, survivors here in the building, all Pentagon community, and all the partners who are here, and those watching electronically, I wanna welcome all of you to the Pentagon Memorial. And I want to welcome all of you to the September 11 Observance. As we gather here to remember the victims of the horrific attacks 18 years ago, we will never forget the victims, the parents, spouses, children, coworkers, and friends. We will never forget the survivors in the building. We will never forget the first responders both from inside the Pentagon and from outside the Pentagon who rushed in with all the partners, the county, state, and federal, to help save lives and stabilize the building. Being here at the Pentagon on September 11, I will never forget the day of September 11 and the following days and months to help with recovery and to help rebuild the Pentagon, our national defense icon. We are all connected together as one Pentagon family, all of us. We are much stronger. We are much resilient to defend our nation and to do what’s right. Again, I want to welcome all of you to the Pentagon Memorial and to this observance. Thank you very much. (crowd applauding)
[Announcer] Please remain silent and silence all mobile devices for the duration of this ceremony, and as the names of those who were killed 18 years ago are remembered.
Doctor Paul W. Ambrose. (bell dings) Specialist Craig S. Amundson, United States Army. (bell dings) Petty Officer Third Class Melissa Rose Barnes, United States Navy. (bell dings) Master Sergeant Max J. Beilke, United States Army, Retired. (bell dings) Doctor Yeneneh Betru. (bell dings) Petty Officer Second Class Kris Romeo Bishundat, United States Navy. (bell dings) Carrie R. Blagburn. (bell dings) Colonel Canfield D. Boone, United States Army. (bell dings) Mary Jane Booth. (bell dings) Donna M. Bowen. (bell dings) Allen P. Boyle. (bell dings) Bernard C. Brown II. (bell dings) Petty Officer Third Class Christopher L. Burford, United States Navy. (bell dings) Captain Charles F. Burlingame III, United States Navy Reserve, Retired. (bell dings) Petty Officer Third Class Daniel M. Caballero, United States Navy. (bell dings) Sergeant First Class Jose O. Calderon-Olmedo, United States Army. (bell dings) Suzanne M. Calley. (bell dings) Angelene C. Carter. (bell dings) Sharon A. Carver. (bell dings) William E. Caswell. (bell dings) Sergeant First Class John J. Chada, United States Army, Retired. (bell dings) Rosa Maria Chapa. (bell dings) David M. Charlebois. (bell dings) Sara M. Clark. (bell dings) Julian T. Cooper. (bell dings) Asia S. Cottom. (bell dings) Lieutenant Commander Eric A. Cranford, United States Navy. (bell dings) Ada M. Davis. (bell dings) James D. Debeuneure. (bell dings) Captain Gerald F. DeConto, United States Navy. (bell dings) Rodney Dickens. (bell dings) Lieutenant Colonel Jerry D. Dickerson, United States Army. (bell dings) Eddie A. Dillard. (bell dings) Petty Officer First Class Johnnie Doctor, Jr., United States Navy. (bell dings) Captain Robert E. Dolan, Jr., United States Navy. (bell dings) Commander William H. Donovan, United States Navy. (bell dings) Lieutenant Commander Charles A. Droz III, United States Navy, Retired. (bell dings) Commander Patrick Dunn, United States Navy. (bell dings) Petty Officer First Class Edward T. Earhart, U.S. Navy. (bell dings) Barbara G. Edwards. (bell dings) Lieutenant Commander Robert R. Elseth, United States Navy Reserve. (bell dings) Charles S. Falkenberg. (bell dings) And his wife, Leslie A. Whittington. (bell dings) And their two children, Dana Falkenberg. (bell dings) And Zoe Falkenberg. (bell dings) Petty Officer Third Class Jamie L. Fallon, United States Navy. (bell dings) J. Joseph Ferguson. (bell dings) Amelia V. Fields. (bell dings) Gerald P. Fisher. (bell dings) Darlene E. Flagg. (bell dings) And her husband, Rear Admiral Wilson F. Flagg, United States Navy Reserve, Retired. (bell dings) Petty Officer Second Class Matthew M. Flocco, United States Navy. (bell dings) Sandra N. Foster. (bell dings) First Lieutenant Richard P. Gabriel, United States Marine Corps, Retired. (bell dings) Captain Lawrence D. Getzfred, United States Navy. (bell dings) Cortez Ghee. (bell dings) Brenda C. Gibson. (bell dings) Colonel Ronald F. Golinski, United States Army, Retired. (bell dings) Ian J. Gray. (bell dings) Diane Hale-McKinzy. (bell dings) Stanley R. Hall. (bell dings) Carolyn B. Halmon. (bell dings) Michele M. Heidenberger. (bell dings) Sheila M.S. Hein. (bell dings) Petty Officer First Class Ronald J. Hemenway, United States Navy. (bell dings) Major Wallace Cole Hogan, Jr., United States Army. (bell dings) Staff Sergeant Jimmie I. Holley, United States Army, Retired. (bell dings) Angela M. Houtz. (bell dings) Brady Kay Howell. (bell dings) Peggie M. Hurt. (bell dings) Lieutenant Colonel Stephen N. Hyland, Jr., United States Army. (bell dings) Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Hymel, United States Air Force, Retired. (bell dings) Sergeant Major Lacey B. Ivory, United States Army. (bell dings) Bryan C. Jack. (bell dings) Steven D. Jacoby. (bell dings) Lieutenant Colonel Dennis M. Johnson, United States Army. (bell dings) Judith L. Jones. (bell dings) Ann C. Judge. (bell dings) Brenda Kegler. (bell dings) Chandler R. Keller. (bell dings) Yvonne E. Kennedy. (bell dings) Norma Cruz Khan. (bell dings) Karen Ann Kincaid. (bell dings) Lieutenant Michael S. Lamana, United States Navy. (bell dings) David W. Laychak. (bell dings) Dong Chul Lee. (bell dings) Jennifer Lewis. (bell dings) And her husband, Kenneth E. Lewis. (bell dings) Samantha L. Lightbourn-Allen. (bell dings) Major Stephen V. Long, United States Army. (bell dings) James T. Lynch, Jr. (bell dings) Terence M. Lynch. (bell dings) Petty Officer Second Class Nehamon Lyons IV, United States Navy. (bell dings) Shelley A. Marshall. (bell dings) Teresa M. Martin. (bell dings) Ada L. Mason-Acker. (bell dings) Lieutenant Colonel Dean E. Mattson, United States Army. (bell dings) Lieutenant General Timothy J. Maude, United States Army. (bell dings) Robert J. Maxwell. (bell dings) Renee A. May. (bell dings) Molly L. McKenzie. (bell dings) Dora Marie Menchaca. (bell dings) Patricia E. Mickley. (bell dings) Major Ronald D. Milam, United States Army. (bell dings) Gerard P. Moran, Jr. (bell dings) Odessa V. Morris. (bell dings) Petty Officer First Class Brian A. Moss, United States Navy. (bell dings) Teddington H. Moy. (bell dings) Lieutenant Commander Patrick J. Murphy, United States Navy Reserve. (bell dings) Christopher C. Newton. (bell dings) Khang Ngoc Nguyen. (bell dings) Petty Officer Second Class Michael A. Noeth, United States Navy. (bell dings) Barbara K. Olson. (bell dings) Ruben S. Ornedo. (bell dings) Diana B. Padro. (bell dings) Lieutenant Jonas M. Panik, United States Navy Reserve. (bell dings) Major Clifford L. Patterson, Jr., United States Army. (bell dings) Robert Penninger. (bell dings) Robert R. Ploger III. (bell dings) And his wife, Zandra F. Ploger. (bell dings) Lieutenant Darin H. Pontell, United States Navy Reserve. (bell dings) Scott Powell. (bell dings) Captain Jack D. Punches, United States Navy, Retired. (bell dings) Petty Officer First Class Joseph J. Pycior, Jr., United States Navy. (bell dings) Lisa J. Raines. (bell dings) Deborah A. Ramsaur. (bell dings) Rhonda Sue Rasmussen. (bell dings) Petty Officer First Class Marsha D. Ratchford, United States Navy. (bell dings) Martha M. Reszke. (bell dings) Todd H. Reuben. (bell dings) CeCelia E. Lawson-Richard. (bell dings) Edward V. Rowenhorst. (bell dings) Judy Rowlett. (bell dings) Sergeant Major Robert E. Russell, United States Army, Retired. (bell dings) Chief Warrant Officer William R. Ruth, United States Army Reserve. (bell dings) Charles E. Sabin, Sr. (bell dings) Marjorie C. Salamone. (bell dings) John P. Sammartino. (bell dings) Colonel David M. Scales, United States Army. (bell dings) Commander Robert A. Schlegel, United States Navy. (bell dings) Janice M. Scott. (bell dings) Lieutenant Colonel Michael L. Selves, United States Army, Retired. (bell dings) Marian H. Serva. (bell dings) Commander Dan F. Shanower, United States Navy. (bell dings) Antionette M. Sherman. (bell dings) Diane M. Simmons. (bell dings) And her husband, George W. Simmons. (bell dings) Donald D. Simmons. (bell dings) Cheryle D. Sincock. (bell dings) Chief Gregg H. Smallwood, United States Navy. (bell dings) Lieutenant Colonel Gary F. Smith, United States Army, Retired. (bell dings) Mari-Rae Sopper. (bell dings) Robert Speisman. (bell dings) Patricia J. Statz. (bell dings) Edna L. Stephens. (bell dings) Norma Lang Steuerle. (bell dings) Sergeant Major Larry L. Strickland, United States Army. (bell dings) Hilda E. Taylor. (bell dings) Lieutenant Colonel Kip P. Taylor, United States Army. (bell dings) Leonard E. Taylor. (bell dings) Sandra C. Taylor. (bell dings) Sandra D. Teague. (bell dings) Lieutenant Karl W. Teepe, United States Army, Retired. (bell dings) Sergeant Tamara C. Thurman, United States Army. (bell dings) Lieutenant Commander Otis V. Tolbert, United States Navy. (bell dings) Staff Sergeant Willie Q. Troy, United States Army, Retired. (bell dings) Lieutenant Commander Ronald J. Vauk, United States Navy Reserve. (bell dings) Lieutenant Colonel Karen J. Wagner, United States Army. (bell dings) Meta L. Waller. (bell dings) Specialist Chin Sun Pak Wells, United States Army. (bell dings) Staff Sergeant Maudlyn A. White, United States Army. (bell dings) Sandra L. White. (bell dings) Ernest M. Willcher. (bell dings) Lieutenant Commander David L. Williams, United States Navy. (bell dings) Major Dwayne Williams, United States Army. (bell dings) Chief Marvin Roger Woods, United States Navy, Retired. (bell dings) Captain John D. Yamnicky, Sr., United States Navy, Retired. (bell dings) Vicki Yancey. (bell dings) Petty Officer Second Class Kevin W. Yokum, United States Navy. (bell dings) Chief Donald M. Young, United States Navy. (bell dings) Edmond G. Young, Jr. (bell dings) Lisa L. Young. (bell dings) Shuyin Yang. (bell dings) And her husband, Yuguang Zheng. (bell dings) (muffled speaking)
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please remain silent for the arrival of the official party, the National Anthem performed by the United States Navy Sea Chanters, a moment of silence to honor those killed at the Pentagon, and the invocation delivered by Chaplain Major General Steven Sheik, Air Force Chief. Ladies and gentlemen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. Ladies and gentlemen, the Secretary of Defense Doctor Mark T. Esper. Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States and Mrs. Melania Trump. (dignified band music) Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming Whose broad stripes and bright stars Through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming And the rocket’s red glare The bombs bursting in air Gave proof through the night That our flag was still there Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free And the home of the brave
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a prayerful moment of silence. Oh God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. Loving God, 18 years ago terrorists sought to crush and divide us. Instead, the world witnessed the true American spirit. We rejoiced with survivors and shed tears for people we never met. We gave thanks for the men and women who put their lives at risk in an attempt to rescue and aid total strangers. And today we remember the children, parents, spouses, family, and friends whose hearts will forever know the sting of grief. But do not, we pray, let our hope be overtaken by anger. And do not, we pray, let our hearts remain flooded with despair. Be our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in trouble, and help us rest in your promise that even if we forget you, you’ll never forget us. And as persons of many faiths, nations, and cultures gather today, use this ceremony to make all of us a little more like the twin tower survivor Mr. Praimnath who said, “I still have the shoes I wore to work that day. “The soles are melted, and they’re caked in ash, “and they’re my reminder of God’s presence “and the life I owe to Him.” May this be our prayer, amen.
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.
Mr. President, Mrs. Trump, Secretary and Mrs. Esper, distinguished guests, and most importantly to the survivors and family members of the fallen who are with us, good morning. It’s an honor to join you at this sacred place where 184 men, women, and children were taken from us before their time. They and those lost at the World Trade Center and Somerset County, Pennsylvania were the innocent victims of an unprovoked attack. And while they were taken from us prematurely, their memory lives on. We’re here today to renew our commitment to never forget. The terrorist attacks were intended to challenge our way of life, and they sought to break our spirit. But their purpose was never realized. That day made us stronger, more determined, and more resolved to protect our nation and that for which it stands. As President George Bush said from the Oval Office in the hours after the attacks, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations “of our biggest buildings, “but they cannot touch the foundation of America. “These acts shatter steel. “They cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” And that resolve carries on. As we stand here today, our nation’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen are performing their duty across the globe, doing what must be done. And so as we pause this morning to remember and honor those lost on 11 September, 2001, I hope the American people also find comfort knowing that a new generation of men and women have stepped forward to serve and protect our way of life. And now, ladies and gentlemen, I’m honored to introduce someone who has embraced public service for decades, our 27th Secretary of Defense, the honorable Mark Esper. (crowd applauding)
Thank you, General Dunford. Mr. President, First Lady, members of Congress, fellow cabinet members, men and women of the Department of Defense, and most especially, friends and family members of the patriots of September 11th, 2001, welcome to the Pentagon, and thank you for joining us as we gather here to honor those lost on that tragic day, and to recognize the heroes who rose to the occasion in the face of evil. This morning’s ceremony affirms our commitment to never forget that fateful day 18 years ago. On 9/11, terrorists from a distant land attacked the spirit of our nation. On a grassy field in Pennsylvania, in the twin towers of New York City, and here, at the Pentagon, they stole the lives of thousands of innocent people. Fearful of American values, ideas, and freedoms, our nation’s enemies sought to dim the beacon of hope that America has long shown throughout the world. And while the terrorist attacks brought great pain, the American people responded with even greater bravery and determination. Most of us recall exactly where we were when we first learned that our nation was under attack. Some were at work, others were at home. A number of you were present in this very building when Flight 77 crashed through its concrete walls. In every case, we remember the initial shock and disbelief we felt when the first airliners struck the World Trade Center. We remember the stories of our fellow Americans who chose to run toward the smoke and fire to save others, and we remember our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who brought justice to those responsible. But on this 18th anniversary of 9/11, service members who were not even born on that day now stand among our ranks. As each year passes, and the details of that tragic day fade, we must ensure the memories of the departed do not. This memorial, where we gather for today’s ceremony, stands as an enduring testament to remember them, to honor them, to recall their sacrifice, but also it inspires future generations to serve in defense of our great nation. Throughout our history, America has faced challenges from many adversaries. And while 9/11 may have transformed our great nation, it also reaffirmed America’s commitment to defend our people and our way of life, a commitment that remains unchanged since the founding of the republic 243 years ago. I am proud to stand here today with all of you as we remember all of those who gave their lives so that all of us may continue to live in freedom. Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my great privilege to welcome a leader who has kept America safe and secure, a commander in chief who has rebuilt our military, and a president who puts the defense of our great nation and our people above all else. Please join me in welcoming the President of the United States, President Donald Trump. (crowd applauding)
Well, thank you very much, Secretary Esper. Today our nation honors and mourns the nearly 3,000 lives that were stolen from us on September 11th, 2001. On these grounds, 184 people were murdered when al Qaeda terrorists overtook American Airlines Flight 77 and crashed it into the Pentagon. For every American who lived through that day, the September 11th attack is seared into our soul. It was a day filled with shock, horror, sorrow, and righteous fury. I vividly remember when I first heard the news. I was sitting at home watching a major business television show early that morning. Jack Welch, the legendary head of General Electric, was about to be interviewed when all of a sudden they cut away. At first, there were different reports. It was a boiler fire, but I knew that boilers aren’t at the top of a building. It was a kitchen explosion in Windows on the World. Nobody really knew what happened. There was great confusion. I was looking out of a window from a building in Midtown Manhattan, directly at the World Trade Center, when I saw a second plane, at a tremendous speed, go into the second tower. It was then that I realized the world was going to change. I was no longer going to be, and it could never, ever be, that innocent place that I thought it was. Soon after, I went down to Ground Zero with men who worked for me to try to help in any little way that we could. We were not alone. So many others were scattered around trying to do the same. They were all trying to help. But for the families who join us, this is your anniversary of personal and permanent loss. It’s the day that has replayed in your memory a thousand times over. The last kiss, the last phone call. The last time hearing those precious words, “I love you.” Then the attack. The anguish of knowing your family member had boarded one of these flights or was working in the World Trade Center or serving right here at the Pentagon. You waited, you prayed, you answered that most dreaded call, and your life changed forever. To each of you, the First Lady and I are united with you in grief. We come here in the knowledge that we cannot erase the pain or reverse the evil of that dark and wretched day, but we offer you all that we have, our unwavering loyalty, our undying devotion, and our eternal pledge that your loved ones will never, ever be forgotten. 18 years ago, the terrorists struck this citadel of power and American strength. But the enemy soon learned that they could not weaken the spirit of our people. In times of distress, the heart of the American patriot only grows stronger and more determined. Even in the midst of the attack, the world witnessed the awesome power of American defiance. 40 passengers and crew on Flight 93 rose up, fought back, and thwarted the enemy’s wicked plans. In their final moments, these American heroes thunderously declared that we alone decide our fate. We saw American perseverance in the valiant New York firefighters, police officers, first responders, military, and everyday citizens who raced into the crashing towers to rescue innocent people. One such American was retired Army Colonel Rick Rescorla, who gave his life on 9/11. Rick earned the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam. He later became the Vice President for Security at Morgan Stanley in the World Trade Center. On the day of the attack, Rick died while leading countless others to safety. His selfless actions saved approximately 2,700 lives. Today, I am honored to announce that we will soon be awarding the late Rick Rescorla the Presidential Citizens Medal for his extraordinary sacrifice. Though Rick has left this Earth, we will ensure that the memory of his deeds will never, ever be forgotten. His memory will forever endure. Thank you, thank you, Rick. Thank you, Rick. (crowd applauding) Thank you, Rick. Here on the western side of the Pentagon, we saw brave men and women rush into the fire and race into the scorching flames to rescue their colleagues. When evil seeks to do us harm, the incredible men and women of the United States Military answer with unyielding valor and unstoppable resolve. Navy Admiral David Thomas crawled through live wires and helped lift a wall of debris to save the life of a colleague. As Admiral Thomas remembers, “It was the worst day of my life, “but the heroism and selfless disregard I saw “that horrible morning is forever burned in my heart.” Admiral Thomas, America salutes you and every patriot who defied evil that day. Thank you very much, Admiral. Thank you, thank you very much. (crowd applauding) Thank you very much. Army Ranger Chris Braman repeatedly went back inside the burning building, rescuing one injured person after another. Before he entered, he said a prayer and asked God to give him strength, and then he dove into the suffocating smoke and fumes and flames. At the same time, Sheila Moody had just prayed that someone would find her. Then she heard Chris’s voice. As Sheila says, God sent Chris as her guardian angel. To Sheila and Chris, America is strengthened by your goodness and your grace and your bravery. Thank you very much, thank you. (crowd applauding) Thank you very much. To fulfill our unbreakable promise to every survivor and family of 9/11, earlier this year we fully reauthorized the Victims Compensation Fund to the tune of billions and billions of dollars. Since September 11th, nearly six million young men and women have joined the United States Armed Forces. They have crossed seas, climbed mountains, trekked through deserts, and rushed into enemy compounds to face down the threat of radical Islamic terrorism. Nearly 7,000 service members have laid down their lives to protect our home, our flag, and our American way of life. American freedom survives only because there are patriots willing to sacrifice everything in its defense. No tribute is sufficient to convey the infinite depth of our nation’s gratitude. On this solemn day of remembrance, our thoughts also turn to the 200,000 valiant soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines who are now, at this very moment, stationed overseas. We do not seek conflict, but if anyone dares to strike our land, we will respond with the full measure of American power and the iron will of the American spirit. And that spirit is unbreakable. We had peace talks scheduled a few days ago. I called them off when I learned that they had killed a great American soldier from Puerto Rico and 11 other innocent people. They thought they would use this attack to show strength. But actually what they showed is unrelenting weakness. The last four days, we have hit our enemy harder than they have ever been hit before, and that will continue. (crowd applauding) And if, for any reason, they come back to our country, we will go wherever they are and use power the likes of which the United States has never used before. And I’m not even talking about nuclear power. They will have never have seen anything like what will happen to them. No enemy on Earth can match the overwhelming strength, skill, and might of the American Armed Forces. And we have rebuilt and strengthened in the last two and a half years, spending $700 billion, $716 billion, and now just approved $738 billion, more money by far than ever spent on our armed forces. You are the fearless sentinels who stand watch over all that we cherish and everything we hold sacred, priceless, and dear. This morning, we also give thanks to the dedicated men and women at the Department of Homeland Security. Their Department was created after 9/11 to help secure our immigration system and ensure that those who threaten our people are denied entry to our shores. We’re indebted to every law enforcement official, state, local, and federal, who devotes their life to keeping America safe. As we gather at this moment, and at this incredible memorial, we are reminded that there is no greater testament to our fallen heroes than the presence of their families who knew and loved them so much. Among the family members here today is Stephanie Dunn. Her husband, Navy Commander Patrick Dunn, was one of the patriots who gave his life right here 18 years ago. Before he left that morning, Patrick gave Stephanie a big, beautiful kiss. Then, for the first time, he leaned down and kissed her pregnant stomach. Stephanie was just two months along with their first child. Earlier this year, their daughter Allie celebrated her 17th birthday. Allie grew up into a strong, truly remarkable young woman. She mentors the children of our nation’s wounded warriors, and recently I was honored to give Allie the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her hundreds of hours of community service. We are blessed to have Allie here with us at today’s ceremony. Thank you, Allie, thank you. (crowd applauding) Thank you. And, Allie, I know your dad is watching over you. He’s right up there. He’s watching from Heaven, looking down right now with love and pride. He is so proud of you. Thank you very much, incredible. (crowd applauding) Also joining us is the Vigiano family. For generations, the Vigiano family has served in our military and in the New York City Fire and Police Departments. These are two great departments. I grew up with them, I know. On September 11th, NYPD Detective Joseph Vigiano rushed into the World Trade Center, and died rescuing his fellow citizens. His brother, John, was a New York firefighter. He also gave his life that day at Ground Zero. At the time, Joseph’s three sons were just young boys, ages eight, six, and three months old. This morning, they are with us. The youngest, John, just started his freshman year of college at SUNY Maritime College, and he plans to join the military. Joseph Jr. is a Marine reservist and, just like his father, he is a proud member of the NYPD. And James is a corporal in the Marines. On his last deployment, James was stationed on the USS New York, a ship made using 24 tons of steel from the World Trade Center. Every time he left the mess hall on his way to his bunk, he passed a picture of his dad. To John, Joseph, and James, and to the Vigiano family, you have sacrificed beyond measure, and you will never, ever stop giving back to this country. And thank you very much for being here. Thank you very much, thank you. (crowd applauding) Thank you, very proud of you. Thank you. Thank you very much. The heroes present today remind us of an immortal truth. The future of our nation is secured through the vigilance of our people, the brave men and women who tore through the gates of hell to save the hurt and the wounded. The service members who honor the friends who perished by continuing their exceptional life of service. The moms and dads who endure the loss of their soulmates, and fill their children’s lives with all of the adoration in the world. The sons and daughters who suffered grave loss, and yet through it all, persevere to care for our neighbors, defend our homeland, and safeguard our nation. Each of your lives tells the story of courage and character, virtue and valor, resilience and resolve, loyalty and love. This morning, we make a sacred vow to carry on this noble legacy. Today and every day we pledge to honor our history, to treasure our liberty, to uplift our communities, to live up to our values, to prove worthy of our heroes, and above all, stronger than ever, to never, ever forget. We are now, and will forever be, one American family united by patriotism, bound by destiny, and sustained by the faith of Almighty God. Thank you, God bless you, God bless our military, and God bless the United States of America. Thank you all, thank you very much. Thank you, thank you. (crowd applauding) Thank you.
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please render honors for the playing of “Taps.” (“Taps”) God bless America, land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with a light from above From the mountains God bless America To the prairies God bless America To the oceans white with foam God bless America My home sweet home God bless America My home, my home God bless my home Sweet home God bless America America, my home (crowd applauding)
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today’s observance. Thank you for joining us this morning. Please remain in place for the departure of the official party. You are welcome to visit the chapel after the official party’s departure, or remain inside the memorial. Oh beautiful for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain America, America God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea Oh beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears America, America God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea America, America America (tuner humming) Let there be peace on Earth And let it begin with me Let there be peace on Earth The peace that was meant to be With God as our Father Father Brothers all are we Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony Let peace begin with me Let this be the moment now With every step I take Let this be my solemn vow To take each moment and live Each moment in peace eternally Let there be peace on Earth And let it begin with me (tuner humming) My country tis of thee Sweet land of liberty Of thee I sing Land where my fathers died Land of the pilgrim’s pride From every mountain side Let freedom ring What difference if I hail from North or South Or from the East or West My heart is filled with love For all of these I only know I swell with pride And deep within my breast I thrill to see Old Glory Paint the breeze This is my country Land of my birth This is my country Grandest on Earth I pledge thee my allegiance America the bold For this is my country To have and to hold Let freedom ring Let freedom ring Land where my fathers died Land of the pilgrim’s pride Of thee I sing Of thee I sing Of thee I sing Of thee I sing Let freedom Freedom ring Let freedom ring (tuner humming) Eternal Father strong to save Whose arm has bound the restless wave Who bids the mighty ocean deep It’s own appointed limits keep Oh hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea Oh Christ whose voice the waters heard And hushed their raging at Thy word Who walkest on the foamy deep And how amidst its rage did sleep Oh hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea Most holy spirit who didst brood Upon the chaos dark and rude And bid its angry tumult cease And give, for wild confusion, peace Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee For those in peril on the sea Lord, guard and guide the men who fly Through the great spaces in the sky Be with them always in the air In darkening storms or sunlight fair Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer For those in peril in the air (tuner humming) While the storm clouds gather far across the sea Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free Let us all be grateful for a land so fair As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer In a solemn prayer God Bless America Land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with a light from above From the mountains God bless America To the prairies God bless America To the oceans white with foam God bless America My home sweet home God bless America Land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with a light from above From the mountains, to the prairies To the oceans white with foam God bless America My home sweet home God bless America My home God bless my home My home sweet home God bless America America, my home (tuner humming) Oh beautiful for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain America, America God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea Oh beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears America, America God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea America, America America (muffled speaking) (tuner humming)