9/11 Ceremony Remarks for 2019

Oak Brook, Illinois, September 11, 2019, Butler Government Center.

Good morning, and welcome to our commemoration of the 18th Anniversary of that fateful day on September 11th, 2001. We gather every year on this day to renew the commitment we made 18 years ago to the families, fellow first responders, and our country to never forget. Never forget the sacrifice, the heroism, and our pledge for this to never happen again.

It is no surprise that our country has changed quite a bit from September 11th, 2001, some good, some maybe not so. We continue the fight against international and domestic terrorism. There have been tremendous changes at all levels of government and public safety in communication and collaboration. And due to those changes, we have not suffered such a great loss since. While our mission has been broadened, our resolve has stayed laser-focused to keep the homeland safe from those that would attempt to harm us.   

But what are some of the things that have changed these 18 years that maybe we could do better? We are here today to honor and remember the sacrifice of 3000 people that lost their lives that day. Over the ensuing 18 years, not once have I heard a question of political party affiliation or heard anyone ask what the victims’ political opinion had been? And there shouldn’t be, because we realize in our common humanity that it simply does not matter. They were civilians, first responders, and military personnel that lost their lives due to the despicable actions of a few. 

We will soon be preparing for the 20th commemoration of September 11th while the effects of that day have not truly ended.   The number of post 9/11 deaths due to cancer-related illnesses have surpassed 2000 and the estimated number of those first responders with cancer is now at topping 10,000. 

These numbers should give us pause to consider what is really important and prioritize civility and decency above all else.

On losing the presidential election to Dwight Eisenhower in 1952, Adlai Stevenson said, “That which unites us as American citizens is far greater than that which divides us as political parties.” And that should be the lesson of today as well as the legacy of the sacrifices made on September 11th, not the political tribalism that some would like us to devolve into. 

So let us leave here today with a renewed commitment to each other, to our community, and to the common good. That is the true legacy of 9-11 and why this day will forever impact not only those of us that were alive in 2001 but for these young children who are here with us today.     

Thank you.