奥巴马在911纪念仪式上的讲话英文
奥巴马2011在马丁·路德金纪念碑落成典礼上的演讲
An earthquake and a hurricane may have delayed this day, but this is a day that would not be denied.For this day, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s return to the National Mall. In this place, he will stand for all time, among monuments to those who fathered this nation and those who defended it; a black preacher with no official rank or title who somehow gave voice to our deepest dreams and our most lasting ideals, a man who stirred our conscience and thereby helped make our union more perfect.And Dr. King would be the first to remind us that this memorial is not for him alone. The movement of which he was a part depended on an entire generation of leaders. Many are here today, and for their service and their sacrifice, we owe them our everlasting gratitude. This is a monument to your collective achievement. (Applause.)Some giants of the civil rights movement ?- like Rosa Parks and Dorothy Height, Benjamin Hooks, Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth ?- they’ve been taken from us these past few years. This monument attests to their strength and their courage, and while we miss them dearly, we know they rest in a better place.And finally, there are the multitudes of men and women whose names never appear in the history books ?- those who marched and those who sang, those who sat in and those who stood firm, those who organized and those who mobilized ?- all those men and women who through countless acts of quiet heroism helped bring about changes few thought were even possible. “By the thousands,” said Dr. King, “faceless, anonymous, relentless young people, black and white…have taken our whole nation back to those great wells of democracy which were dug deep by the founding fathers in the formulation of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independen ce.” To those men and women, to those foot soldiers for justice, know that this monument is yours, as well.Nearly half a century has passed since that historic March on Washington, a day when thousands upon thousands gathered for jobs and for freedom. That is what our schoolchildren remember best when they think of Dr. King -? his booming voice across this Mall, calling on America to make freedom a reality for all of God’s children, prophesizing of a day when the jangling discord of our nation would be transformed into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.It is right that we honor that march, that we lift up Dr. King’s “IHave a Dream” speech ?- for without that shining moment, without Dr. King’s glorious words, we might not have had the courage to come a s far as we have. Because of that hopeful vision, because of Dr. King’s moral imagination, barricades began to fall and bigotry began to fade. New doors of opportunity swung open for an entire generation. Yes, laws changed, but hearts and minds changed, as well.Look at the faces here around you, and you see an America that is more fair and more free and more just than the one Dr. King addressed that day. We are right to savor that slow but certain progress -? progress that’s expressed itself in a million ways, large and small, across this nation every single day, as people of all colors and creeds live together, and work together, and fight alongside one another, and learn together, and build together, and love one another.So it is right for us to celeb rate today Dr. King’s dream and his vision of unity. And yet it is also important on this day to remind ourselves that such progress did not come easily; that Dr. King’s faith was hard-won; that it sprung out of a harsh reality and some bitter disappointments.It is right for us to celebrate Dr. King’s marvelous oratory, but it is worth remembering that progress did not come from words alone. Progress was hard. Progress was purchased through enduring the smack of billy clubs and the blast of fire hoses. It was bought with days in jail cells and nights of bomb threats. For every victory during the height of the civil rights movement, there were setbacks and there were defeats.We forget now, but during his life, Dr. King wasn’t always considered a unifying figure. Even after rising to prominence, even after winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. King was vilified by many, denounced as a rabble rouser and an agitator, a communist and a radical. He was even attacked by his own people, by those who felt he was going too fast or those who felt he was going too slow; by those who felt he shouldn’t meddle in issues like the Vietnam War or the rights of union workers. We know from his own testimony the doubts and the pain this caused him, and that the controversy that would swirl around his actions would last until the fateful day he died.I raise all this because nearly 50 years after the March on Washington, our work, Dr. King’s work, is not yet complete. We gather here at a moment of great challenge and great change. In the first decade of this new century, we have been tested by war and by tragedy; by an economic crisis and its aftermath that has left millions out of work, and poverty on therise, and millions more just struggling to get by. Indeed, even before this crisis struck, we had endured a decade of rising inequality and stagnant wages. In too many troubled neighborhoods across the country, the conditions of our poorest citizens appear little changed from what existed 50 years ago -? neighborhoods with underfunded schools and broken-down slums, inadequate health care, constant violence, neighborhoods in which too many young people grow up with little hope and few prospects for the future.Our work is not done. And so on this day, in which we celebrate a man and a movement that did so much for this country, let us draw strength from those earlier struggles. First and foremost, let us remember that change has never been quick. Change has never been simple, or without controversy. Change depends on persistence. Change requires determination. It took a full decade before the moral guidance of Brown v. Board of Education was translated into the enforcement measures of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, but those 10 long years did not lead Dr. King to give up. He kept on pushing, he kept on speaking, he kept on marching until change finally came. (Applause.)And then when, even after the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act passed, African Americans still found themselves trapped in pockets of pov erty across the country, Dr. King didn’t say those laws were a failure; he didn’t say this is too hard; he didn’t say, let’s settle for what we got and go home. Instead he said, let’s take those victories and broaden our mission to achieve not just civil and political equality but also economic justice; let’s fight for a living wage and better schools and jobs for all who are willing to work. In other words, when met with hardship, when confronting disappointment, Dr. King refused to accept what he called t he “isness” of today. He kept pushing towards the “oughtness” of tomorrow.And so, as we think about all the work that we must do ?- rebuilding an economy that can compete on a global stage, and fixing our schools so that every child -- not just some, but every child -- gets a world-class education, and making sure that our health care system is affordable and accessible to all, and that our economic system is one in which everybody gets a fair shake and everybody does their fair share, let us not be trapp ed by what is. (Applause.) We can’t be discouraged by what is. We’ve got to keep pushing for what ought to be, the America we ought to leave to our children, mindful that the hardships we face are nothing compared to those Dr. King and his fellow marchers faced 50 years ago, and that if we maintain our faith, in ourselves and in the possibilities of this nation, there is no challenge we cannot surmount.And just as we draw strength from Dr. King’s struggles, so must we draw inspiration from his constant insistence on the oneness of man; the belief in his words that “we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” It was that insistence, rooted in his Christian faith, that led him to tell a group of angry young pro testers, “I love you as I love my own children,” even as one threw a rock that glanced off his neck.It was that insistence, that belief that God resides in each of us, from the high to the low, in the oppressor and the oppressed, that convinced him that people and systems could change. It fortified his belief in non-violence. It permitted him to place his faith in a government that had fallen short of its ideals. It led him to see his charge not only as freeing black America from the shackles of discrimination, but also freeing many Americans from their own prejudices, and freeing Americans of every color from the depredations of poverty.And so at this moment, when our politics appear so sharply polarized, and faith in our institutions so greatly diminished, we need more than ever to take heed of Dr. King’s teachings. He calls on us to stand in the other person’s shoes; to see through their eyes; to understand their pain. He tells us that we have a duty to fight against poverty, even if we are well off; to care about the child in the decrepit school even if our own children are doing fine; to show compassion toward the immigrant family, with the knowledge that most of us are only a few generations removed from similar hardships. (Applause.)To say that we are bound together as one people, and must constantly strive to see ourselves in one another, is not to argue for a false unity that papers over our differences and ratifies an unjust status quo. As was true 50 years ago, as has been true throughout human history, those with power and privilege will often decry any call for change as “divisive.” They’ll say any challenge to the existing arrangements are unwise and destabilizing. Dr. King understood that peace without justice was no peace at all; that aligning our reality with our ideals often requires the speaking of uncomfortable truths and the creative tension ofnon-violent protest.But he also understood that to bring about true and lasting change, there must be the possibility of reconciliation; that any social movement has to channel this tension through the spirit of love and mutuality.If he were alive today, I believe he would remind us that the unemployedworker can rightly challenge the excesses of Wall Street without demonizing all who work there; that the businessman can enter tough negotiations with his company’s union without vilifying the right to collectively bargain. He would want us to know we can argue fiercely about the proper size and role of government without questioning each other’s love for this country -- (applause) -- with the knowledge that in this democracy, government is no distant object but is rather an expression of our common commitments to one another. He would call on us to assume the best in each other rather than the worst, and challenge one another in ways that ultimately heal rather than wound.In the end, that’s what I hope my daughters take away from this monument.I want them to come away from here with a faith in what they can accomplish when they are determined and working for a righteous cause. I want them to come away from here with a faith in other people and a faith in a benevolent God. This sculpture, massive and iconic as it is, will remind them of Dr. King’s strength, but to see him only as larger than li fe would do a disservice to what he taught us about ourselves. He would want them to know that he had setbacks, because they will have setbacks. He would want them to know that he had doubts, because they will have doubts. He would want them to know that he was flawed, because all of us have flaws.It is precisely because Dr. King was a man of flesh and blood and not a figure of stone that he inspires us so. His life, his story, tells us that change can come if you don’t give up. He would not give up, no m atter how long it took, because in the smallest hamlets and the darkest slums, he had witnessed the highest reaches of the human spirit; because in those moments when the struggle seemed most hopeless, he had seen men and women and children conquer their fear; because he had seen hills and mountains made low and rough places made plain, and the crooked places made straight and God make a way out of no way.And that is why we honor this man ?- because he had faith in us. And that is why he belongs on this Mall -? because he saw what we might become. That is why Dr. King was so quintessentially American -- because for all the hardships we’ve endured, for all our sometimes tragic history, ours is a story of optimism and achievement and constant striving that is unique upon this Earth. And that is why the rest of the world still looks to us to lead. This is a country where ordinary people find in their hearts the courage to do extraordinary things; the courage to stand up in the face of the fiercest resistance and despair and say this is wrong, and this is right; we will not settle for what the cynics tell us we have to accept and we will reach again and again, no matter the odds, for whatwe know is possible.That is the conviction we must carry now in our hearts. (Applause.) As tough as times may be, I know we will overcome. I know there are better days ahead. I know this because of the man towering over us. I know this because all he and his generation endured -- we are here today in a country that dedicated a monument to that legacy.And so with our eyes on the horizon and our faith squarely placed in one another, let us keep striving; let us keep struggling; let us keep climbing toward that promised land of a nation and a world that is more fair, and more just, and more equal for every single child of God.Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)。
奥巴马英语演讲翻译：纪念911袭击
英⽂写作翻译频道为⼤家整理的奥巴马英语演讲翻译：纪念911袭击，供⼤家参考:)This week, we mark the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks. It’s a time to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children we lost, and the families they left behind. It’s a chance to honor the courage of the first responders who risked their lives - on that day, and every day since. And it’s an opportunity to give thanks for our men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed, sometimes far from home, to keep our country safe. 这个星期，我们纪念9.11遇袭事件11周年。
在这个时刻，我们追念失去的近3,000名⽆辜的男⼥⽼少，也向他们的家⼈表⽰慰问。
在这个时刻，我们向紧急救援⼈员表⽰敬意，他们在那⼀天和此后的⽇⽇夜夜冒着⽣命的危险舍⼰救⼈。
在这个时刻，我们感谢为国服务和做出奉献的男⼥军⼈，他们⼀⼼保卫我们的国家，有时还需要远离家乡。
This anniversary is about them. It’s also a time to reflect on just how far we’ve come as a nation these past eleven years. 这个纪念⽇是为了向他们致敬。
这个纪念⽇也是为了回顾11年来我们作为⼀个国家做出了多⼤的努⼒。
奥巴马演讲-在911袭击10周年演讲稿
奥巴马演讲-在911袭击10周年演讲稿The Partnerships We Need我们需要的伙伴关系By President Barack Obama作者：美国总统巴拉克·奥巴马On this 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, we remember that 9/11 was not only an attack on the United States, it was an attack on the world and on the humanity and hopes that we share.值此2001年9月11日恐怖主义袭击10周年之际，我们铭记不忘，9/11不仅是对美国发动的攻击，也是对全世界、全人类和我们的共同希望发动的攻击。
We remember that among the nearly 3,000 innocent people lost that day were hundreds of citizens from more than 90 nations. They were men and women, young and old, of many races and faiths. On this solemn anniversary we join with their families and nations in honoring their memory.我们铭记不忘，那一天近3,000多名无辜的人民失去了生命，其中数百人是其他90多个国家的公民。
他们当中有男有女，有老有少，来自许多种族，拥有不同的信仰。
在这个庄严的纪念日到来之时，我们与遇难者的家人和国家一起对他们表示追思。
We remember with gratitude how ten years ago the world came together as one. Around the globe, entire cities came to a standstill for moments of silence. People offered their prayers in churches, mosque s, synagogues and other places of worship. And those of us in the United States will never forget how people in every corner of the world stood with us in solidarity in candlelight vigils and among the seas of flowers placed at our embassies.我们铭记不忘，10年前全世界戮力同心如一人，我们为此心怀感激。
奥巴马在911恐怖袭击十周年纪念仪式上的讲话全文
Here are President Barack Obama's remarks on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks as released by the White House.白宫发布了奥巴马在911恐怖袭击十周年纪念仪式上的讲话全文，以下为中译稿。
Remarks of President Barack ObamaAs Prepared for DeliveryOn the 10 Anniversary of 9/11The Bibl e tells us - 'weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.'《圣经》告诉我们，哭泣可能会持续整夜，但欢乐会在清晨到来。
Ten years ago, America confronted one of our darkest nights. Mighty towers crumbl ed. Black smoke billowed up from the Pentagon. Airplane wreckage smol d ered on a Pennsylvania field. Friends and neighbors; sisters and brothers; mothers and fathers; sons and daughters - they were taken from us with heartbreaking swiftness and cruelty. On September 12, 2001, we awoke to a worl d in which evil was cl oser at hand, and uncertainty cl oud ed our future.十年前，美国经历了最黑暗的一个夜晚。
奥巴马纪念911十周年演讲
奥巴马纪念911十周年演讲This weekend, we’re coming together, as one nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We’re remembering the lives we lost—nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children. We’re reaffirming our commitment to always keep faith with their families.We’re honoring the heroism of first responders who risked their lives—and gave their lives—to save others. And we’re giving thanks to all who serve on our behalf, especially our troops and military families—our extraordinary9/11 Generation.At the same time, even as we reflect on a difficult decade, we must look forward, to the future we will build together. That includes staying strong and confident in the face of any threat. And thanks to the tireless efforts of ourmilitary personnel and our intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security professionals—there should be no doubt. Today, America is stronger and al Qaeda is on the path to defeat.We’ve taken the fight to al Qaeda like never before. Over the past two and a half years, more senior al Qaeda leaders have been eliminated than at any time since 9/11. And thanks to the remarkable courage and precision of our forces, we finally delivered justice to Osama bin Laden.We’ve strengthened the partnerships and tools we need to prevail in this war against al Qaeda—working closer with allies and partners; reforming intelligence to better detect and disrupt plots; investing in our Special Forces so terrorists have no safe haven.We’re constantly working to improve the security of our homeland as well—at our airports, ports and borders; enhancing aviation security and screening; increasing support for our first responders; and working closer than ever with states, cities and communities.A decade after 9/11, it’s clear for all the world to see—the terrorists who attacked us that September morning are no match for the character of our people, the resilience of our nation, or the endurance of our values.They wanted to terrorize us, but, as Americans, we refuse to live in fear. Yes we face a determined foe, and make no mistake—they will keep trying to hit us again. But as we are showing again this weekend, we remain vigilant. We’re doing everything in our power to protect our people. And no matter what comes ourway, as a resilient nation, we will carry on.They wanted to draw us in to endless wars, sapping our strength and confidence as a nation. But even as we put relentless pressure on al Qaeda, we’re ending the war in Iraq and beginning to bring our troops home from Afghanistan. Because after a hard decade of war, it is time for nation building here at home.They wanted to deprive us of the unity that defines us as a people. But we will not succumb to division or suspicion. We are Americans, and we are stronger and safer when we stay true to the values, freedoms and diversity that make us unique among nations.And they wanted to undermine our place in the world. But a decade later, we’ve shown that America doesn’t hunker down and hide behind walls of mistrust.We’ve forged new part nerships with nations around the world to meet the global challenges that no nation can face alone. And across the Middle East and North Africa a new generation of citizens is showing that the future belongs to those that want to build, not destroy.Ten years ago, ordinary Americans showed us the true meaning of courage when they rushed up those stairwells, into those flames, into that cockpit. In the decade since, a new generation has stepped forward to serve and keep us safe. In their memory, in their name, we will never waver. We will protect the country we love and pass it safer, stronger and more prosperous to the next generation.。
英语演讲原文：奥巴马演讲 共同来悼念911事件
奥巴马演讲共同来悼念911事件In just two weeks, we’ll come together, as a nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We’ll remember the innocent lives we lost. We’ll stand with the families who loved them. We’ll honor the heroic first responders who rushed to the scene and saved somany. And we’ll pay tribute to our troops and military families, and all those who have served over the past ten years, to keep us safe and strong.We’ll also recall how the worst terrorist attack in American history brought out the best in the American people. How Americans lined up to give blood. How volunteers drove across the country to lend a hand. How schoolchildren donated their savings 1 . How communities, faith groups and businesses collected food and clothing.We were united, and the outpouring（流露） of generosity 2 and compassion 3 reminded us that in times of challenge, we Americans move forward together, as one people.This September 11th, Michelle and I will join the commemorations at Ground Zero, in Shanksville, and at the Pentagon. But even if you can’t be in New York,Pennsylvania or Virginia, every American can be part of this anniversary. Once again, 9/11 will be a National Day of Service and Remembrance. And in the days and weeks ahead, folks across the country—in all 50 states—will come together, in their communities and neighborhoods, to honor the victims of 9/11 and to reaffirm the strength of our nation with acts of service and charity.In Minneapolis, volunteers will help restore a community center. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, they’ll hammer shingles 5 and lay floors to give families a new home. In Tallahassee, Florida, they’ll assemble care packages for our troops overseas and their families here at home. In Orange County, C alifornia, they’ll renovate 6 homes for our veterans. And once again, Michelle and I look forward to joining a local service project as well.There are so many ways to get involved, and every American can do something. To learn more about the opportunities where you live, just go online and visit . Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost; a way to reclaim 7 that spirit of unity 4 that followed 9/11.On this 10th anniversary, we still face great challenges as anation. We’re emerging from the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes. We’re taking the fight to al Qaeda, ending the war in Iraq and starting to bring our troops home from Afghanistan. And we’re working to reb uild the foundation of our national strength here at home.None of this will be easy. And it can’t be the work of government alone. As we saw after 9/11, the strength of America has always been the character and compassion of our people. So as we mar k this solemn anniversary, let’s summon that spirit once more. And let’s show that the sense of common purpose that we need in America doesn’t have to be a fleeting 8 （飞逝的） moment; it can be a lasting 9 virtue—not just on one day, but every day.■文章重点单词注释：1savingsn.存款，储蓄参考例句：I can't afford the vacation,for it would eat up my savings.我度不起假，那样会把我的积蓄用光的。
美国总统奥巴马的演讲稿集(中英文对照)
美国总统奥巴马的演讲稿集(中英文对照) 奥巴马连任胜选的中英文演讲词奥巴马连任胜选的中英文演讲词Thank you. Thankyou. Thank you so much.谢谢，非常感谢各位。
Tonight more than200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its owndestiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward. It movesforward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed thespirit that has triumphed over war and depression, the spirit thathas lifted this country from the depths of despair to the sofhope. The belief that while each of us will pursue our ownindivual dreams, we are an American family and we rise or falltogether as one nation and as one people.今晚，是在一个曾经的殖民地在赢得自己主权200多年之后，我们来到这里，不断前行，这主要是因为你们坚信这个国家能够实现永恒的希望，实现移民的梦想。
每一个人都可以独立的争取自己的未来，我们将会作为一个国家共同起落。
Tonight in thiselection, you, the American people, remind us while our road hasbeen hard, while our journey has been long, we have pickedourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in ourhearts that the united states of America the best is yet tocome.今晚，在选举的过程当中，你们——美国的人民，让我们记得我们的道路是非常艰辛的，我们的道路是漫长的，我们重新站了起来，我们也从内心知道，美国还没有迎来最好的时代。
奥巴马纪念911十周年英语演讲稿
奥巴马纪念911十周年英语演讲稿in just two weeks, we’ll come together, as a nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the september 11th attacks. we’ll remember the innocent lives we lost. we’ll stand with the families who loved them. we’ll honor the heroic first responders who rushed to the scene and saved so many. and we’ll pay tribute to our troops and military families, and all those who have served over the past ten years, to keep us safe and strong.we’ll also recall how the worst terrorist attack in american history brought out the best in the american people. how americans lined up to give blood. how volunteers drove across the country to lend a hand. how schoolchildren donated their savings. how communities, faith groups and businesses collected food and clothing.we were united, and the outpouring(流露) of generosity and compassion reminded us that in times of challenge, we americans move forward together, as one people.this september 11th, michelle and i will join the commemorations at ground zero, in shanksville, and at the pentagon. but even if you can’t be in new york, pennsylvania or virginia, every american can be part of this anniversary. once again, 9/11 will be a national day of service and remembrance. and in the days and weeks ahead, folks across the country;in all 50 states;will come together, in their communities and neighborhoods, to honor the victims of 9/11 and to reaffirm the strength of our nation with acts of service and charity.in minneapolis, volunteers will help restore a community center. in winston-salem, north carolina, they’ll hammer shingles and lay floorsto give families a new home. in tallahassee, florida, they’ll assemble care packages for our troops overseas and their families here at home. in orange county, california, they’ll renovate homes for our veterans. and once again, michelle and i look forward to joining a local service project as well.there are so many ways to get involved, and every american can do something. to learn more about the opportunities where you live, just go online and visit . even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost; a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.on this 10th anniversary, we still face great challenges as a nation. we’re emerging from the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes. we’re taking the fight to al qaeda, ending the war in iraq and starting to bring our troops home from afghanistan. and we’re working to rebuild the foundation of our national strength here at home.none of this will be easy. and it can’t be the work of government alone. as we saw after 9/11, the strength of america has always been the character and compassion of our people. so as we mark this solemn anniversary, let’s summon that spirit once more. and let’s show that the sense of common purpose that we need in america doesn’t have to be a fleeting(飞逝的) moment; it can be a lasting virtue;not just on one day, but every day.。
- 1、下载文档前请自行甄别文档内容的完整性，平台不提供额外的编辑、内容补充、找答案等附加服务。
- 2、"仅部分预览"的文档,不可在线预览部分如存在完整性等问题,可反馈申请退款(可完整预览的文档不适用该条件!)。
- 3、如文档侵犯您的权益，请联系客服反馈,我们会尽快为您处理(人工客服工作时间：9:00-18:30)。
Remarks by the President at "A Concert for Hope" Kennedy Center Washington, D.C.8:12 P.M. EDTTHE PRESIDENT: The Bible tells us -- “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”Ten years ago, America confronted one of our darkest nights. Mighty towers crumbled. Black smoke billowed up from the Pentagon. Airplane wreckage smoldered on a Pennsylvania field. Friends and neighbors, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters –- they were taken from us with a heartbreaking swiftness and cruelty. And on September 12, 2001, we awoke to a world in which evil was closer at hand, and uncertainty clouded our future.In the decade since, much has changed for Americans. We’ve known war and recession, passionate debates and political divides. We can never get backthe lives that were lost on that day or the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed.And yet today, it is worth remembering what has not changed. Our character as a nation has not changed. Our faith -– in God and in each other –- that has not changed. Our belief in America, born of a timeless ideal that men and women should govern themselves; that all people are created equal, and deserve the same freedom to determine their own destiny –- that belief, through tests and trials, has only been strengthened.These past 10 years have shown that America does not give in to fear. The rescue workers who rushed to the scene, the firefighters who charged up the stairs, the passengers who stormed the cockpit -- these patriots defined the very nature of courage. Over the years we’ve also seen a more quiet form of heroism -- in the ladder company that lost so many men and still suits up and saves lives every day, the businesses that have beenrebuilt from nothing, the burn victim who has bounced back, the families who press on.Last spring, I received a letter from a woman named Suzanne Swaine. She had lost her husband and brother in the Twin Towers, and said that she had been robbed of, “so many would-be proud moments where a father watches their child graduate, or tend a goal in a lacrosse game, or succeed academically.”But her daughters are in college, the other doing well in high school. “It has been 10 years of raising these girls on my own,” Suzanne wrote. “I could not be prouder of their strength and resilience.”That spirit typifies our American family. And the hopeful future for those girls is the ultimate rebuke to the hateful killers who took the life of their father.The se past 10 years have shown America’s resolve to defend its citizens, and our way of life. Diplomats serve in far off posts, and intelligence professionals work tirelessly without recognition. Two million Americans have gone to war since 9/11. They have demonstrated that those who do us harm cannot hidefrom the reach of justice, anywhere in theworld. America has been defended not by conscripts, but by citizens who choose to serve -– young people who signed up straight out of high school, guardsmen and reservists, workers and business-people, immigrants and fourth-generation soldiers. They are men and women who left behind lives of comfort for two, three, four, five tours of duty. Too many will never come home. Those that do carry dark memories from distant places and the legacy of fallen friends.The sacrifices of these men and women, and of our military families, reminds us that the wages of war are great; that while service to our nation is full of glory, war itself is never glorious. Our troops have been to lands unknown to many Americans a decade ago -– to Kandahar and Kabul; to Mosul and Basra. But our strength is not measured in our ability to stay in these places; it comes from our commitment to leave those lands to free people and sovereign states, and our desire to move from a decade of war to a future of peace.These 10 years have shown that we hold fast to our freedoms. Yes, we’re more vigilant against those who threaten us, and there are inconveniences that come with our common defense. Debates –- about war and peace, about security and civil liberties –- have often been fierce these last 10 years. But it is precisely the rigor of these debates, and our ability to resolve them in a way that honors our values and our democracy, that is the measure of our strength. Meanwhile, our open markets still provide innovators the chance to create and succeed, our citizens are still free to speak their minds, and our souls are enriched in churches and temples, our synagogues and our mosques.These past 10 years underscores the bonds between all Americans. We have not succumbed to suspicion, nor have we succumbed to mistrust. After 9/11, to his great credit, President Bush made clear what we reaffirm today: The United States will never wage war against Islam or any other religion. Immigrants come here from all parts of the globe. And in the biggestcities and the smallest towns, in schools and workplaces, you still see people of every conceivable race and religion and ethnicity -– all of them pledging allegiance to the flag, all of them reaching for the same American dream –- e pluribus unum, out of many, we are one.These past 10 years tell a story of our resilience. The Pentagon is repaired, and filled with patriots working in common purpose. Shanksville is the scene of friendships forged between residents of that town, and families who lost loved ones there. New York -- New York remains the most vibrant of capitals of arts and industry and fashion and commerce. Where the World Trade Center once stood, the sun glistens off a new tower that reaches towards the sky.Our people still work in skyscrapers. Our stadiums are still filled with fans, and our parks full of children playing ball. Our airports hum with travel, and our buses and subways take millions where they need to go. And families sit down to Sunday dinner, and students prepare for school. This land pulses with theoptimism of those who set out for distant shores, and the courage of those who died for human freedom.Decades from now, Americans will visit the memorials to those who were lost on 9/11. They’ll run their fingers over the places where the names of those we loved are carved into marble and stone, and they may wonder at the lives that they led. And standing before the white headstones in Arlington, and in peaceful cemeteries and small-town squares in every corner of the country, they will pay respects to those lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. They’ll see the names of the fallen on bridges and statues, at gardens and schools.And they will know that nothing can break the will of a truly United States of America. They will remember that we’ve overcome slavery and Civil War; we’ve overcome bread lines and fascism and recession and riots, and communism and, yes, terrorism. They will be reminded that we are not perfect, but our democracy is durable, and that democracy –- reflecting, as it does, the imperfections of man -– also give us the opportunityto perfect our union. That is what we honor on days of national commemoration –- those aspects of the American experience that are enduring, and the determination to move forward as one people.More than monuments, that will be the legacy of 9/11 –- a legacy of firefighters who walked into fire and soldiers who signed up to serve; of workers who raised new towers, and citizens who faced down their private fears. Most of all, of children who realized the dreams of their parents. It will be said that we kept the faith; that we took a painful blow, and we emerged stronger than before.“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”With a just God as our guide, let us honor those who have been lost, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals that define our nation, and let us look to the future with hearts full of hope.May God bless the memory of those we lost, and may God bless the United States of America.。