September 11th

An Address by the Mayor remembering September 11, 2001
Jimmy Wilbanks
September 11, 2011

A decade ago an egregious attack on the United States of America, on innocent citizens and visiting neighbors from other countries occurred in New York City. I’m sure that each of you, like me, remembers where you were and what you were doing when this attack was visited on the Twin Towers in New York City. Thank you for being here today, Dacula students, Mill Creek students, band members, city council, citizens and guests alike—to remember and serve.

I’m sure also that even time has failed to heal the trauma caused by a group of terrorist whose only claim to fame is the death and destruction they have brought to this world. We will remember this strike at the heart of America, and we will continue to hold those responsible to account. We will not forget!

Today, we remember the families of those killed on 9/11—2001. We will remember those affected even here in Dacula. We will remember the selfless service of our policemen and firemen and emergency responders who suffered injury and death in responding to this attack. We will remember young and old Americans alike that have served selflessly in providing aid to others and other less fortunate countries. Many of them have been killed simply because they were Americans. We will not forget!

Today, we remember the selfless service of our military as they prosecute those responsible for the Twin Tower attack and those countries that harbor such terrorists— we remember their willingness to suffer death and injury in service to the nation. We will not forget!

In countless cities and counties in America, today we remember. We will not forget!

We join today in the best of all that America has to offer. We join in service to remember those who are no longer with us to serve. We join in service to celebrate those patriots who have given their lives in their service to others. We will not forget!

Like the sentiment expressed by President Lincoln at the Gettysburg cemetery 7 score and 8 years ago, no words we can say here today nor the service we offer can hallow the memory of those who died or encourage those who were injured or comfort those parents who send their children off in harm’s way. We will not forget!