Important Texts 2006

DCM Remarks at the premier of the film "The World Trade Center"

October 3, 2006

The World Trade Center paints us a portrait of how the attacks on September 11, 2001 affected many lives, in the words of those who participated in the rescue efforts. Most importantly, it depicts the strength and resolve that human beings must have when confronted by appalling destruction. I know the attacks had a profound effect on Slovaks because, at the request of many Slovak individuals and organizations, together we have just commemorated the unthinkable acts on their fifth anniversary. And I also know the outpouring of sympathy from Slovaks on the day of the attack.

The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister came to our Embassy on September 11 to express to Ambassador Vallee and our staff - and through us to all Americans - their sympathy and solidarity. Perhaps the strongest form of international solidarity comes from those in attendance here tonight, firefighters, police and other rescue workers who consider themselves borthers and sisters with all their counterparts throughout the world. Your brotherhood knows no geographical boundaries. And that is one reason why the Bratislava City Fire Department, represented by Mr. Kopounek and Mr. Timko, presented to Ambassador Vallee a helmet with signatures as a tribute and in solidarity with 'New York's Bravest,' the Fire Department of New York. On behalf of Ambassador Vallee, who wanted to be here with you tonight but could not, let me thank you for that wonderful tribute.

Terrorism did not start on 9-11. 9-11 was not n attack only on America - people of some 90 nationalities lost their lives that day. The brutality of that day changed how we respond to terrorism; it forged a united front of free nations and people committed to stopping these acts. We will draw inspiration from the heroes depicted in this film and we will prevail together. This film provides an opportunity to give thanks to those who risked and even lost their lives to save others. I also wish to thank you for your everyday willingness to face danger in order to safeguard the inhabitants of Slovakia.

Slovakia has long understood that we can only defeat terrorism when the people of the free world stand together, unified. Since becoming a member, Slovakia has participated in NATO operations to combat terrorism, and has encouraged and materially supported this effort. Last year, on the anniversary of 9-11, Slovaks participated in the Walk for the Victims of Terrorism, laying candles and wreaths on Hviezdoslavovo namestie, the scene of previous successful struggles against authoritarianism.

We must all be courageous to triumph over those that threaten us through terrorism. We can do so without lowering our democratic standards, without compromising our values. We can win this fight without damaging relations with adherents of Islam, who know that their religion does not accept or encourage the terrorists' means or their rationale. We can build a better future on a foundation of a free, democratic, multi-cultural society.

By giving thanks to those who served so well that day and always, and by doing all we can to prevent further such tragedies, we honor the memory of those in the fire, police and rescue forces who thought only of their fellow citizens on that day, in the great tradition of your profession.

Perhaps one firefighter, who was off duty at the time of the attack but who rushed to the site, said it best, "I'm very proud of what the guys in my company did and, you know, I'm proud to have known them," he says. "It's a horrible thing, what happened to them, and I don't want other people to forget."

Thank you all.