President Obama gave a speech at the Pentagon this morning in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, CNN reports.
It rained steadily as Obama laid a wreath of white flowers where 184 people lost their lives when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, outside Washington, D.C. ”No words can ease the ache of your hearts,” Obama told relatives and friends of the victims.
Earlier in the day, the president and first lady Michelle Obama observed a moment of silence outside the White House to mark the eighth anniversary of the horrific al Qaeda attacks that killed 2,752 people. Moments of silence were also held at the times the other planes crashed into the former World Trade Center towers and a field in Pennsylvania.
“Eight Septembers have come and gone,” Obama said. “Nearly 3,000 days have passed, almost one for each one who has been taken from us. We recall the beauty and meaning of their lives. No passage of time, no dark skies can dull the meaning of that moment.”
The President also looked to the future, calling on the nation to regain its determination to defeat terrorism. “Let us renew our resolve against those who perpetrated this violent act,” he said.
Obama has designated the date of September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The video of the speech is below:
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Hmmm, a much better message than, “Go out and shop!” I’d say.