The US Embassy in Banjul yesterday joined Gambians and
Americans in remembering those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001
terrorist attacks.
The events of the day are a constant reminder of loved ones, friends, and thousands of victims whose lives were cut short.
US Ambassador to The Gambia Edward M. Alford led a moment of silence to remember the victims, their families and those affected around the world.
In brief remarks, the US ambassador said it was eleven years yesterday marking the September 11 attacks, and that every year they come together to commemorate the day.
“We come to remember, to grieve for those who were lost, the young people who had life ahead of them.
“We pray for parents who lost children, children who lost parents, for those who lost husbands, wives and thousands of people of all nationalities,”
According to Ambassador Alford, two of the individuals killed were Gambians, adding:“Karamo Pereira was a computer technician for ASAP NetSource and Mohammed Jawara, who worked as a security guard for MAS Security, died in the World Trade Center.”
“It is not only time to grieve; it is a time for honouringthose brave fire and police men who went to fight thefire rather than ran away from it,” the US ambassador said.
“We also remember the brave first responders who rushed into burning buildings to save people; the families and communities who pulled together to turn tragedy into renewed commitment for compassion, services and tolerance,” he said.
“We dedicated ourselves to toleration, brotherhood and understanding of all that humanity is in many ways similar. We have the same emotion, desires, and sorrows.
“If we dedicated ourselves to this mutual understanding, the willingness to help, of neighbours’ appreciation for neighbours regardless of where they come from,” said Ambassador Alford.
