Remarks for U.S. Embassy 9/11 Memorial

(as prepared)

Chargé d’Affaires James P. Zumwalt
September 11, 2008
Tokyo, Japan

Good Afternoon. Ann and I feel very privileged to have you all here with us this beautiful afternoon to remember those who lost their lives in one of the most horrific human tragedies of our time. There are no words that can truly comfort those who lost a loved one; and no matter how we try to make sense of this painful event, seven years later, it is still hard to do.

If there is anything positive at all that can be salvaged from the ashes of that sad day, it would be the tremendous outpouring of support from our friends worldwide and the strong sense of solidarity we felt with the global community in the aftermath of this terrible event. We rediscovered that we all have in us the power to spread goodwill and offer great comfort to those who are suffering. This inspired, for many, a renewed hope in humanity. Today, Ground Zero is a symbol of the destructiveness of hate, and a powerful reminder for all nations to promote peace and to build a better world.

The bonds between the U.S. and Japan for so long so strong, are even stronger now. We work side by side everyday as partners in international coalitions of nations to make the world a better place. From working together on training AIDS health workers in Africa to our joint efforts to improve lives in Afghanistan, we share the same conviction that there is hope in this world of ours, and that much can be accomplished when we work together. I think that musician and peace activist John Lennon said it best. “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” As we commemorate what was lost that day, let us also look forward to a shared future of peace and hope for all humanity. Thank you.