Welcoming Remarks

Arlington's Day of Remembrance and Appreciation
Jay Fisette, Chairman of the Arlington County Board
October 7, 2001

My fellow Arlingtonians and guests:

Tonight our community gathers as a family. We gather in sorrow and in disbelief, in remembrance and appreciation. But we come here, too, with resolve and pride. We come together as Arlingtonians who love our County, as Americans who love our country. Our enemies may hurt our bodies and destroy our buildings, but they will never defeat our determination to make this a world of peace and a community in which our children grow up safe and secure.

On September 11th, our world changed forever. In the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, it was a day that will live in infamy, as this nation suffered the most grievous loss ever known in a single day of armed conflict. Yet, those who died were not at war with anybody. They were mothers, fathers, sons and daughters--average people, starting off a beautiful morning in the innocent, everyday act of simply going to work. On that day, they saw the face of pure evil...and in a heartbeat they were taken from us.

It has been said that grief is the price we pay for love, and tonight we feel the pain still. We mourn for friends and family we have lost, and for people we never even knew. Each of them filled a space in our community, and though tonight their spaces are empty, they will forever be with us.

Tonight we feel a little less secure, a little less sure, as we have crossed a threshold into a place we have never been before - at war with terrorism. Yet we also experience things that will never change. We draw upon an inner strength. We draw upon one another.

And we fill with pride that Arlington rose to meet the challenge. In this year of Arlington's 200th birthday, our response built on a history rich in accomplishment. Towering figures in American history left their footprints here. In 2001, Arlington again showed its character.

Words cannot describe the selflessness and tenacity of Arlington's emergency rescue and public safety personnel. They were the first to respond to the scene at the Pentagon. They coordinated the fire, rescue, and recovery operations for a full ten days.

From around the region and around the nation others came to work side-by-side, thinking only of doing their duty, bound by their dedication to saving lives. Joined by countless volunteers, and backed by a dedicated county staff that activated our Emergency Operations Center in mere minutes, our men and women looked the wickedness squarely in the face. They gently and caringly undertook the work that they were trained to do.

The whole world wept tears of pride as these men and women unfurled the Stars and Stripes from atop the Pentagon's roof, an image that will be engraved into American memory from this time forward. To each of you, for your courage and professionalism...and for helping to turn Arlington's darkest moment into its finest hour...we thank you.

Ours is a nation and a community that has grown strong because it opens its arms to the world, that looks and sounds like the world, and revels in the diversity that has made us a caring and open society, embodying the American dream and the essence of our shared humanity.

In solidarity with the people of New York City, we take to heart the symbol of the Statue of Liberty that still stands strong in New York harbor, that still lifts its lamp beside the golden door, and that still beckons people to fulfill their yearnings to be free. Arlington will proudly remain a welcoming community.

Tonight, we hold one another a little closer. We reach out a little more readily to neighbors. We are more able to see our similarities than dwell on our differences.

We are filled with the potential for good, and must not let it slip away. If we succeed, we will emerge wiser and stronger, and yes, we will laugh and rejoice and celebrate once again.

So, remember this night. Remember those who died and those who grieve their loss. Remember our flags, flying from the Pentagon, from the remains of the World Trade Center; and in front yards across America - for they symbolize the soul of a nation united. Remember who we are--take pride in who we are. We are Arlingtonians, and we are Americans--today, and for all days.

We will not forget!