Washington, U.S.A. – Generation Opportunity President Paul T. Conway, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Labor, has issued the following statement:

“Today, in our prayers and in our hearts, we remember the thousands of innocent Americans and first responders who lost their lives during the cowardly terror attacks of September 11, 2001. We mourn their loss and pledge to their families and loved ones to always honor their memory and to never forget their bravery and sacrifice. We offer our full respect for the courage and selflessness demonstrated by those who answered this nation’s call to respond through the War on Terror, including those in the United States Armed Forces, committed federal civil servants, countless state and local police, and emergency responders whose ongoing vigilance continues to keep us safe here at home.

We also pay tribute to America’s next greatest generation, whose love of our country and unwavering commitment to their fellow citizens was forged by the events of that day. Through their patriotism, military service, and example of helping those in need here and overseas, young Americans have sent a powerful message to the world that our nation’s ideals are intact, that our exceptionalism remains, and that the memory of those who fell of September 11 will never fade.”

Mr. Conway served as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management on September 11, 2001, and was involved in the legislative efforts to establish the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He later served as an agency Chief of Staff at DHS and was awarded the Secretary’s Silver Medal, the second highest DHS civilian award, for his leadership and distinguished service over a significant time to the Department.

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Pennsylvania, U.S.A. – Governor Tom Corbett joined officials on September 11 at the U.S. Army War College in Cumberland County to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, as well as all those who have sacrificed their lives in war in the past 11 years.

“We have shown the world that there is no compromise in our determination to remain a nation of free people, safe in our homes, and entitled to the liberties inscribed by our founders,” Corbett said.

“Today, our men and women in uniform continue that tradition. We are here today to honor their sacrifice,” Corbett said. “Each of them, those who came home to us, those we lost, stood guard over the American Dream.”

The ceremony, led by U.S. Army War College Commandant Maj. General Anthony A. Cucolo III, honors military men and women, as well as police officers, firefighters, and civilians who were killed in the terrorist attacks, as well as all those who have since died in protection of our nation.

Among the nearly 3,000 people who died on Sept. 11, 2001, were three alumni of the U.S. Army War College. Three more alumni were killed in combat operations.

The war college is the Army’s most senior military educational institution, training officers in leadership, strategy and international operations.

“The best monument we can build to the brave men and women who stood sentinel is to protect the values and liberties for which they gave their last full measure,” Corbett said.

U.S. and state flags were flying at half-staff in observance of Patriot Day.

Image Courtesy of   Governor Tom Corbett

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New York, U.S.A. – For the eleventh anniversary of 9/11, AJC Executive Director David Harris issued the following statement:

“Eleven years ago, our city and nation suffered monstrous acts of terrorism. We were attacked by radical Islamist forces not for a specific policy, but for who we are — an open, democratic, pluralistic society.

“We remember the cherished lives of the nearly 3,000 people who were murdered on that fateful day, a day seared into our memory forever.

“We can only begin to imagine the enduring pain — and irretrievable loss — of the families, friends, and colleagues of those who were slain.

“And we recall the extraordinary courage of those who put their own lives on the line—and, in many cases, sacrificed their lives—so that others might live.

“Painful memories will always remain, as they should, but remembrance stirs us to reflect on both the evil and, yes, the good that emerged on that tragic day and in its aftermath.

“The good is rooted in the heart and soul of American society. Right after 9/11, as a country, we stood as one. We were all in this together—as proud, strong, determined Americans. We must never lose that sense of common destiny.

“Memories and reflections of 9/11, and what has transpired since, inspire us to recommit to the core values that form the bedrock of the United States of America. We must never falter in the defense of human freedom and human dignity.

“And never again should we underestimate our enemies or suffer from a failure of imagination. 9/11 was a sobering reminder that those who despise what we stand for—liberty, diversity, religious freedom, and women’s equality—will stop at nothing in the name of their demented political and religious ideology.

“We and our allies—the family of democratic countries and common values—must remain ever vigilant and ever united.”

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New York, U.S.A. – The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s major annual fundraiser, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run, will be replicated in communities throughout the nation and to different international locations on its 11th anniversary this September.

The Foundation has expanded its reach into communities throughout the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska as well as an inaugural run in London. So far, close to 70 communities have signed up to hold Tunnel to Towers runs and 25 motorcycle rides, 34.3 miles in length, are also scheduled with the “Bikers for America’s Bravest” program.

Since 2002, the New York City Tunnel to Towers Run has been held annually to honor the 343 firefighters and first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 and recreates the final footsteps of firefighter Stephen Siller who was last seen running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with 60 pounds of gear strapped to his back en route to the World Trade Center after the attacks. Last year, more than 30,000 people attended and took part in the NY event, while an additional 12,000 participated in runs throughout the world, a tradition that started in 2011.

“The New York City event began as a way to honor Stephen and his firefighter brothers,” said Frank Siller, one of Stephen’s siblings and the chairman of the Foundation. “Over the years, through an influx of volunteers, donations and interest, it has continued to grow and evolve nationwide and worldwide. We are grateful now to have the opportunity to include the entire United States, and even countries around the world, in this moving and meaningful event.”

For more information on race locations, registration or fundraising – please visit T2Trun.org.

Image Courtesy of  PaulSteinJC

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Thoughts of remembrance and sadness resonated throughout the United States on September 11. Marking the 10^th anniversary of 9/11 and the terrorist attacks on America brought family members, friends, and different figures together to commemorated those who lost their lives just 10 years ago.

Even with talk of a potential threat by Al Qaeda for the 10^th anniversary of September 11^th, people gathered unfazed by the possibility and focused on the tribute to their loved ones. The day of commemoration started early Sunday morning, with New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg leading the ceremony with a moment of silence.

The moment was at 8:46AM, which represented the time in which the first plane flew into the North Tower. President Obama and the first lady were in New York at the world trade center as well, along with former president Bush and wife Laura Bush. The President led the country with a reading from Psalms 46, following a reading by Bush.

One tribute during the ceremony included a reading of the 2,983 names of those lost in the towers by family members. Children, wives, and friends gave speeches to commemorate their loved ones. In other parts of the country, people gathered as well to show their respects.

The president left New York to visit Shanksville Pennsylvania later in the day, the area that Flight 93 crashed on the day of September 11. The plane was en route to Washington D.C, but crashed by heroes on board that sacrificed their lives to save thousands of potential victims.

Mrs. Obama laid a wreath among the marble wall, which contained etched names of the victims on board Flight 93, and the President greeted guests. The site in Pennsylvania contains a boulder at the actual spot where the plane crashed. Saturday the 10^th, former president Bill Clinton and George Bush visited Shanksville as well along with Vice President Joe Biden.

There they made speeches about the acts of heroism that the members on board portrayed on the day of 9/11. Bush said during his speech that the members on board Flight 93 committed “one of the most courageous acts in American history.” A bell rang for each of the 40 names of the passengers and their names were read as well.

At the memorial at Shanksville, Bill Clinton also announced he would start fundraising to complete the memorial being built at the site, which includes almost 10$ million dollars. John Boehner also agreed to help in the efforts to complete the memorial. The third place of attack on September 11^th, the Pentagon also held events during the day Sunday, including a speech by Vice President Joe Biden.

President Obama also visited the Pentagon later in the day, and was planning on going to the Kennedy Center to attend the “concert for hope.” At the Pentagon, an American flag hung over the place where flight 77 hit the building and at 9:37AM when the plane hit there was a moment of silence followed by Amazing grace.

Each memorial represented the patriotism and remembrance that Americans have which has only grown stronger over the past 10 years.  The day was filled with tears and sorrow, but also represented that America will never forget the heroism, acts of bravery, and the innocent lives that were stolen away.

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I have waited a few days out of respect for 9/11 to say my piece. Although like everyone else, the images and memories of 9/11 are forever with me, I don’t have the same feeling about it as most others. Celebrating the ten year anniversary does not make me particular proud to be an American.

All over Facebook and in the media, people use the anniversary as a way to celebrate the fact that our country survived the worst terrorist attack on American soil. But, did we survive? To me, it seemed like our nation’s complete mentality changed on that day. Instead of hope and optimism, we became scared. No longer wanting to help others or welcome immigrants, we became paranoid.

Every day, it becomes increasingly difficult to find a reason to be proud to be an American. Yes, we like to say that phrase, especially on anniversaries of horrific tragedies and holidays, but are we really proud? The income gap continues to grow in our country, as we become a banana republic where only the wealthy one percent has any power.

More than 45,000 uninsured Americans are uninsured and with no healthcare, children die of treatable diseases. We execute poor men who have been railroaded because they cannot afford lawyers while letting rich men off scot-free even though their greed caused the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

We start two wars to fight against an idea and a small sect of radical fundamentalists. We are restricting voting rights to millions of Americans because suddenly Jim Crow laws are back in vogue. We hate a particular religious group because men who perverted their religion were responsible for 9/11 while our own “Christian” religion has become an instrument of hate.

In 2008, it almost seemed like maybe we were letting go of the 9/11 post apocalyptical period. Maybe we could have hope and change and move forward from that day. We elected our first black president, even though he is only 50 percent black. But, the last three years, things have become even worse.

Instead of focusing on the growing unemployment and recession, we worry about a pretend Mosque in New York City or where the President was born. Nothing is accomplished because the focus remains on the negative. The last decade has been bleak. My twenties were spent in a country that seemed comparable to communist Russia.

The media controls the message and the message has been on asinine stuff for ten years, so that the simpletons won’t become enraged at the direction of our country. Let’s focus on Angelina Jolie and Kim Kardishan so no one will notice how many rights we have lost. Pay attention to gay marriage, abortion and those damn welfare mothers who are taking your money so you don’t notice billionaires like the Koch Brothers who are controlling politics and court decisions while raping your mother.

I can only hope that the color will return to our country now that we have survived the first decade after the terrorists shot down our hope and dreams. However, I don’t really see it. Yes, we survived. But, we aren’t any better for it. We did not get any stronger after this tragedy.

We became scared little kids and I am not proud to be an American in 2011. Not even a little bit. I know our country can do so much better. We can help out neighbors and preach love instead of hate. I know we have the ability to do it, but we are so far away from that vision of America. I don’t know if I will see it in my lifetime.

 
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The US Homeland Security Department has acknowledged a ‘credible and specific’ report that al Qaeda is planning to blow up infrastructure in New York on the anniversary of the national tragedy that struck the United States 10 years ago on September 11.

New York’s mayor Michael Bloomberg told the press that the intelligence of the threat was uncorroborated but because of the nature of the situation, nobody was willing to take chances. “We know the terrorists regard the anniversary as an opportunity to strike again. We do live in a world where we must take these threats seriously,” Bloomberg said according to British newspaper The Guardian.

Intelligence agencies are behind the warning. To the Huffington Post, a US intelligence official said, “US counterterrorism entities have been alert for any leads, and for the first time we’ve received specific and credible – but unconfirmed – threat information linked to the 9/11 anniversary.

Any and all leads related to possible plots are of course being run to ground, and the US will bring every resource to bear to ensure the security of the American people.” The assistant director of the FBI in New York, Janice Fedarcyk, told The Guardian that initial suspicion was raised during the raid at Abbottabad, Pakistan that killed Osama Bin Laden.

The obtained intelligence showed that al-Qaida had an interest in several important dates – including 9/11. President Barack Obama has requested redoubled effort from the counter-terrorism forces in order to clarify the nature of the threat and Fedarcyk was sure to stress that “sometimes this reporting is credible and warrants intense focus, other times it lacks credibility and is highly unlikely to relate to real plots that are underway.”

Citizens of New York will have to deal with tightened security around the city. Sky News reports that extra police will carry out checks on cars around tunnels and bridges while there will be more bag inspections on the subway and more resources put into radiation and bomb monitoring.

Mayor Bloomberg said that while the authorities are taking additional measures to protect the city in anticipation of the weekend, he would like New Yorkers to go about their business as usual. “The best thing we can do to fight terror is to refuse to be intimidated by it.

For the past 10 years we have not allowed terrorists to intimidate us, we have lived out lives without fear and we will continue to do so,” said Bloomberg.
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The tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks went as planned this past sunday. There was much to remember about that day. The lives lost and thousands of families upended, the lifesaving first responders at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the heroes of United Airlines flight 93.

Unfortunately, this event also reminded American citizens that there’s still insecurity and terrorist threats. The memories remain intact. After ten years, the story is so precise, so detailed, it seems that the attack on the Twin Towers in New York was in fact just last week. And just like the memories of that day, some are still assailed by the fear and insecurity left behind after the tragedy of September 11.

The State Department told that it had not received specific threats from Al-Qaeda or similar groups, but explains that people who were traveling or living outside America should take extra care. The State Department warned that anyone who wanted to leave the country had to register on the website of the State Office, embassy or consulate.

Alert notes were published, stating that previous attacks have been planned for important dates and that Americans abroad should keep alert. The tenth anniversary of the twin towers was remembered around the world. Ceremonies were held in several countries to commemorate the lives lost or destroyed and Obama encourages all U.S. citizens to participate in the event.

Some people do not accept the government’s version of the status quo. They believe that the government continues to play with people’s fear, to get American citizens to cooperate with the government. In the past, the government used Communism to scare the population and today the focus has moved to Al-Qaeda.

Conspiracists think that they are playing a game to get what they want: have everybody in USA united. The United State government insists that they are cautious, and they alert people only for public safety. Their responsibility is to make precautions and give people all the necessary information to be sure that everything is going to be normal.

For last Sunday’s event, the government and the city of New York was anxious that people’s lives were safe as they went to Ground Zero. John Coburn, EJay Weiss and Todd Stone, three artists who took on the task of expressing 9/11 in different art forms, showed their works in commemoration.

At least two dozen other September 11-related museum and gallery exhibitions were also being presented throughout the city. The Alice Austen House Museum and the Fire Department Retirees of Staten Island hosted the annual Remembrance of September 11 in honor of the 343 colleagues who lost their lives. The ceremony was held on the front lawn, overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

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