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"We Shall Never Forget" extends to those lives we lost in war

Flags at the EOB at half staff
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Today’s marks the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New Year City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C and the United Airlines flight, which was brought down in a field in Pennsylvania by the passengers themselves in order to prevent the hijackers from crashing it into another iconic American building.

And as we echo the cries of “We Shall Never Forget” let’s extend that remembrance to the brave men and women who served in the war on terror — a result of the terrorist attacks that day 20 years ago on the United States. 

As ordered by Acting Gov. Talauega Eleasalo Ale, flags in American Samoa are flying at half-staff today, Saturday, Sept. 11th, in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks in the United States, twenty-years ago.

 “Patriot Day serves as a remembrance of the lives lost on that September morning,” Talauega said in his Sept. 10th memorandum ordering the flying of flags at half staff in American Samoa — pursuant to the Proclamation by US President Joe Biden, who noted that 20-years ago, the “United States endured one of the most unconscionable tragedies in our country’s history.”  

“The cowardly terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and onboard United Flight 93 cut short the lives of 2,977 innocent people,” Biden’s proclamation said.  “These attacks tore a hole in the heart of our Nation, and the pain of this tragedy still remains.” (see www.whitehouse.gov online for details)

In his 9/11 anniversary message to the people of American Samoa, Talauega recalled that “on Sept. 11, 2001, our Nation was devastated by the horrific terrorist attacks that wounded and killed so many. We will never forget the horrors that transpired that day.”

“Despite this tragedy, an enraged nation came together to show the world the true American spirit of solidarity and patriotism,” he said and noted that: “More than ever, “we are committed to the founding principles of economic, political and religious freedom.”

“Today, we remember and mourn the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. We also honor the sacrifice and the heroism of all those who responded to these tragic events,” he said.

“As we reflect upon this tragedy and remember the victims, the families and the survivors dealing with loss, let us be reminded that in moments of crisis and uncertainty there is always hope,” he said. “Let us each take a moment to give thanks to our God for his continued blessings upon our territory.

“On behalf of Governor Lemanu P.S Mauga and our families, we thank our first responders and military personnel who serve the public everyday. We thank you for your enduring commitment to serve and defend our Nation,” Talauega concluded.

The horrific events of September 11th led to 20 years of wars in the Gulf region that has just been ended with the withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 30 — less than a month ago. 

The American Samoans who died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are remembered and honored in a slideshow that appears elsewhere on this website. (Check back later if it is not posted yet.)