Press release

September 11, 2007 marks the sixth anniversary of the Al Qaida terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia.  On that terrible day over 3,000 innocent people from over 90 countries, including many Muslims, were murdered by evil men claiming to act in the name of Islam.

Today, six years later, we remember and honor the victims of that fateful day, as well as the victims of other terrorist attacks perpetrated by Al Qaida around the world. Terrorism affects all of us.  It has brought tragedy, destruction, death, and terrible grief to innocent people across the world. 

The fight against terrorism is a concerted fight for values and principles that are universal.  Much more unites us as citizens of the world than divides us.  Across all borders, we share a common humanity.  While the color of our skin, the language we speak, or the way we worship may be different, people everywhere aspire to speak their minds, worship freely, live in security, and pursue education, jobs, and greater opportunities for their families.

President Bush has declared September 11 as Patriot Day in the United States.  On Patriot Day, we pray for those who died and for their families.  We volunteer to help others and demonstrate the continuing compassion of our citizens.  On this solemn occasion, we rededicate ourselves to laying the foundation of peace with confidence in our mission and our free way of life.

To commemorate this 6th anniversary of September 11, all the staff of the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou will hold a solemn, private ceremony led by Ambassador Jeanine Jackson, observe a minute of silence to remember the victims, and fly the American flag at half-staff to honor the dead.