Rafaela Prifti/
President Biden paid tribute to “extraordinary Americans” on the 21st anniversary of the September 11 attacks in a somber wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon. The president was joined by family members of the fallen and first responders on the day of the attack.
“It’s not enough to stand up for democracy once a year or every now and then,” President Biden said. “It’s something we have to do every single day. So this is a day not only to remember, but also is a day for renewal and resolve for each and every American in our devotion to this country, to the principles it embodies, to our democracy.”
First lady Jill Biden addressed the National Memorial Observance in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. She said the attacks showed that “with courage and kindness we can be a light in that darkness.” In these moments, she said, our source of strength comes from our connection to one another. “So as we stand on this sacred and scarred earth, a record of our collective grief and a monument to the memories that live on each day, this is the legacy we must carry forward: Hope that defies hate.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband attended a commemoration ceremony at the National September 11th Memorial in New York.
President Biden noted that even after a year of ending the war in Afghanistan, launched in response to the terror attacks, his administration continues to pursue those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and the “commitment to preventing another attack on the United States is without end.”
Annual moments of tribute were carried out in New York City, the Pentagon, Pennsylvania and across the world. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and US Deputy Ambassador Alyson Grunder, paid homage at the “Kosova Remembers” memorial dedicated to the victims of September 11, 2001 attack. President Osmani noted that on that day America suffered a terrible act of terrorism yet it was an attack on all who believe in the values of freedom and democracy. Since then, she said, “Kosovo has joined the American people every day, joining forces in the defense of these values and the fight against terrorism.” In his commemorating tribute, President of Albania Bajram Begaj called attention to staying committed to preventing terrorist attacks and protecting democracy. “Today we honor all those who lost and gave their lives in the deadly terrorist attacks of 9/11 against the United States and democracy, which changed it forever. Recent cyber attacks on our vital infrastructure remind us that national security is a top priority. We must build and develop our national capabilities while strengthening ties with our partners and allies to protect the security of our countries and people,” said Albania’s President Begaj.