T
he fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks is an appropriate occasion for the international community to reaffirm our condemnation of all acts of terror. No faith condones the deliberate targeting and killing of innocent civilians. No cause or grievance – no matter how legitimate – can ever justify it.
The victims of September 11th were citizens of more than 90 different countries. They were members of many faiths, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Terrorism affects all of us. It has brought tragedy, destruction, death and terrible grief to innocent people across the world.
Much more unites us as citizens of the world than divides us. Across all borders, we share a common humanity. The color of our skin, the language we speak, or the way we worship may be different. However, people everywhere wish to speak their minds. People everywhere wish to participate in their society. People everywhere wish to worship freely. People everywhere wish to live in security. People everywhere wish to pursue education, jobs and greater opportunities for their families.
All major religions, including Islam, Christianity and Judaism, share a commitment to social justice. They share a commitment to compassion, concern for the poor, and love of family and community. All these faiths teach that life is precious. They teach that taking innocent life, including your own, is wrong.
Such actions are always abhorrent and always wrong. The international community, the interfaith community and decent men and women everywhere must speak out against those who advocate hate, violence and terrorism. We call on leaders of all faiths to work for mutual respect and understanding. We call on all leaders to send a clear message: that killing oneself and murdering innocent people is always wrong.
As an international community, we must foster debate, we must encourage education and we must provide information, to help people learn and make decisions for themselves. We believe most people everywhere, of every faith, will choose freedom over tyranny and will choose tolerance over intolerance.
As we look back on September 11, 2001, we also look forward. We seek to work in a spirit of partnership with people and nations across the world. We seek to confront this ideology of hate and foster a climate of hope and opportunity. We are far from perfect, yet we believe the ideals of freedom and justice that guide us are right and true for people everywhere.
We want to work in partnership with nations throughout the world in ways that will result in a more peaceful and prosperous world and a better life for people everywhere. And we renew our commitment to our founding conviction that all people are equal and equally deserving of justice, respect, opportunity and dignity.
BACKGROUND
U.S. General Services Officer Jack Hardman attended commemorative ceremonies in the town of Arconate, near Milan. Arconate Mayor Mario Mantovani presided over ceremonies that included a procession from city hall to a ceremony to dedicate a street to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The procession was accompanied by a brass band, members of the city government, town council, law enforcement, volunteer fire department, twenty volunteer organizations and many local citizens. Almost 300 people turned out for the street naming ceremony. Following the Mayor’s speech, Mr. Hardman spoke to thank the city for remembering the 9/11 victims. The event ended with a wreath laying ceremony next to the street sign for the “Via 11 Settembre”. The event was followed by a 5-kilometer run/walk through the town.
Additional Resources
• www.arconate.org – Arconate ricorda le vittime delle torri gemelle alla presenza del Console americano.
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