Ambassador Susman Remarks at the British Memorial Garden Trust Concert

September 14th, 2009 by American Citizen Services

U.S. Ambassador Louis B. Susman and his wife Marjorie lay a wreath at the September 11 Memorial Garden in Grosvenor Square, London, September 11, 2009

"Thank you all for joining us here today.  This is the third time we have gathered here in this place of remembrance to reflect on the events on that terrible day.

A similar gathering is taking place in New York City.  The President of the British Memorial Garden Trust, Camilla Hellman, is there, as is the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.  We are grateful for their presence at Hanover Square.

Since my arrival a few short weeks ago and many times through the years, I have often looked out at the beautiful memorial gracing Grosvenor Square.  I believe it is fitting and right that this memorial, like the one in New York City, is a haven of peace, a sanctuary of life.

So as we remember and mourn the 67 British lives so swiftly taken on September 11, 2001, along with so many others, these havens of peace and life give us strength. They remind us of the deep traditions we share.  They evoke the sacred values we defend together.  They make visible the special place the British people have in the hearts of Americans.

Above all this memorial is a tribute to the power of the human spirit to overcome tragedy, and to transform loss into a renewed commitment to our common humanity.  We mourn together in friendship, and we stand united and secure in the knowledge that we can depend on each other in times of need.

When we think of the valiant men and women of the British armed forces in Afghanistan, who daily risk their lives at the side of American and allied soldiers, we know that these are not empty words.  My government and the American people are profoundly grateful for these efforts.

For this is a unique partnership, rooted in the rich soil of our free societies.   As we gather this evening in quiet and loving remembrance of those lost, I pledge to you my best efforts to strengthen and extend this partnership."

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