Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett Remarks at the September 11 Remembrance
9/11 Memorial Park, Red Brick Courthouse
Maryland Avenue and East Jefferson Street, Rockville
As prepared
Good morning, and thank you for joining me on this solemn occasion. Sixteen years ago, today, just 14 minutes before the scheduled start of this ceremony, a terrorist attack on our nation forever changed how each of us views the world.
I will never forget the horror and disbelief of that day as the tragic events unfolded resulting in the loss of nearly three thousand lives including twelve of the County’s own.
People such as:
Joshua Aron
William Caswell;
Dr. Gerald Fisher;
Captain Lawrence Getzfred;
Michele Heidenberger;
Angela Houtz;
Teddington Moy;
Lieutenant Darin Pontell;
Scott Powell;
Todd Reuben;
Patricia Statz; and
Ernest Willcher
Thousands more were wounded physically, psychologically, and emotionally; and some of the wounds may never heal.
September 11 is not an anniversary that we want to remember; but it is an anniversary that we must never forget.
We must never forget those who were lost or their families. We must never forget the circumstances that led to that fateful day. And, we must never forget the lessons we learned about the enduring need for vigilance and open dialogue.
Today, we pause to remember those who were lost and recommit ourselves to working, every day, for justice, freedom, peace, and tolerance here in Montgomery County, our nation, and society as a whole.
I hope everyone will join me in keeping the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers as we offer them our love and support.
We will continue to honor them and the difference they made to our country, keeping them forever in our hearts and in our memories.
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Release ID: 17-086
Monday, September 11, 9 a.m.