Consul General Jo Ellen Powell's Remarks
Consulate 9/11 Memorial Service

I would like to welcome the members of the Consulate community who join us today to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. that killed 2,998 people, 11 of whom were German, in New York, Washington DC, and Shanksville Pennsylvania.

I am sure that everyone gathered here remembers with crystal clarity exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news of the devastating attacks.  That memory will remain vivid in our minds forever.

On that morning, fear and confusion were quickly replaced by resolve and action.  Ordinary men and women became heroes that day; today, men and women serving their country at home and around the world, to safeguard against such a terrible event ever happening again.  Men and women in uniform, law enforcement officers, and we diplomats as well, are on the front line of our nation’s defense; you are heroes today, and I thank you one and all.

Our partners in Germany and around the world have joined us in combating terrorism and promoting a more peaceful future; I wish to thank our German friends as well, for their solidarity and support.  A special thanks to Lord Mayor Roth for her kind words in her letter to me commemorating this sad anniversary date and expressing her friendship and solidarity, and that of the people of Frankfurt, with the United States. 

Today I have asked one of our colleagues, special agent Tim Boerner of the US Secret Service, to join me as we lay a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives in that terrible day, or who succumbed to their injuries later.  Tim was at Ground Zero, reporting for his second day of duty in the NY field office of the Secret Service, when the attack occurred.  Heedless of his own safety, he assisted others throughout that terrible morning.  Tim, thank you for being here today.  I would also like to thank Reverend Wolff for joining us in this commemoration.  Reverend Wolff, thank you.

And now, our ceremony will begin with the presentation of the colors.