Speech
September 11 Commemoration
Remarks of Governor Judy Martz
Dillon
9/11/2003
I would like to thank the individuals who have given their time to organize this special event. It is important that we come together as a community, as a state, and as a nation in this time of remembrance.
We come together today as Montanans, and as Americans, to commemorate the horrific events that shocked our country, two years ago today. We have come together as Americans to defend democratic ideals in this time of war.
New York City, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon may seem far away, but we, too, felt the pain of those horrible acts right here in Montana. We now look at the world a bit differently.
The terrorists took many lives. They caused so much destruction. But these actions provoked responses I do not believe the terrorists expected.
They provoked a giant in Americans in the form of: Courage. Determination. Resilience.
We know that the passengers on Flight 93 displayed this courage; no doubt the passengers on the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center towers had this courage as well.
It has been written that, “September 11th did not alter the American character, it merely revealed it.” And I truly believe that statement is true.
The events of that day awakened a deeper sense of patriotism in all of us. We, as Americans, have found a new resolve to strengthen our communities and make something good come from what we saw and learned two years ago.
We look at each other and find strength, not weakness.
Faith, not fear. Unity, not division.
Today we particularly remember the firefighters, law enforcement officers and military in New York who gave their lives, while saving the lives of others.
We grieve for the lives lost and the loved ones they left behind. We honor their memory, and the memory of all firefighters serving in the line of duty.
We pay tribute to all of you who sacrifice everyday in service to our communities, our state, and our country. Law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, members of the military…you are truly our unsung heroes.
All too often your dedication and commitment is taken for granted. Every day, you quietly do the job you love, displaying heroism and bravery.
Today, we pay you the tribute you deserve, and owe you a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid. I believe that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things; you are those people.
For your dedication and commitment to our security and our safety, we salute you, and to you we pledge our unwavering support.
You and your families are the true patriots.
Today should not be just about loss. Today is about healing, and about hope.
It must be the renewal of dedication to our country, to our communities, and to each other.
As Montanans we cherish the blessings that have been bestowed on our state – truly, God’s country – and we work hard to strengthen the communities in which we live.
By recognizing the importance of civic participation and contributing our talents to service organizations throughout the state, every Montanan can do their part to ensure that the freedoms we hold dear will prevail.
Let today be a call. A renewed call to service. And a call to recognize and pay tribute to those who defend our families, our homes, and our livelihoods right here in Montana.
I call on each citizen of this great state to find ways to strengthen our communities through acts of service and caring. Every day, each in our own small way, every Montanan can do their part to ensure that the freedoms we cherish will prevail.
I would like to conclude by quoting scripture, a passage that has dwelled in my heart since that horrific day one year ago.
It is from Second Chronicles: ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’
Thank you, and God bless.
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