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A monument of the living to remember 9/11

Iraqi and Coalition troops, fighting for freedom and democracy, today remembered the heroes and victims from five years ago.

Nearly 3,000 men, women, and children died at the hands of al-Qaida terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

It was a reminder why many Coalition servicemembers stand on foreign ground today.

U.S. forces involved in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are ensuring the safety of American soil from terrorist attacks, and securing the freedom of millions of Iraqi and Afghani citizens.

The U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, said during a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony that people should remember the victims and heroes of that day.

"The victims included citizens of more than 90 different countries, and adherents of many faiths. We mourn the lives lost and offer heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those murdered," Khalilzad said. "We honor the bravery of the fire fighters and policemen, the passengers aboard United Flight 93, and many others who provided examples of courage and determination on that terrible day. We will not forget."

One of those eight heroes in attendance at the Al Faw Palace ceremony was U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Jose Burgos, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion. Burgos said it's harder to handle the emotions as time passes.

"I can't believe it was five years ago, it feels like yesterday," he said. "It is hard to imagine ... it is hard being here, doing the (mass casualty) exercises, knowing I could be involved with something like that again," said Burgos who was an emergency medical technician and cared for World Trade Center victims.

Khalilzad said a monument for the victims and the heroes of Sept. 11 is being constructed now.

"The true monument for the heroes and victims of 9/11 will not be made of stone, but will be living monuments," the ambassador said. "The 50 million people liberated from tyranny since that day. A free and prosperous Iraq will stand as the ultimate testimony to the sacrifices you are making to ensure that America remains secure from the threats posed by terrorists."

Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commander, Multi-National Corps - Iraq, said the terrorists didn't realize America's determination to seek justice when they attacked U.S. soil.

"These murderers bet that the United States and its friends would stand by and do nothing," he said. "They bet that we would shrink from our duty and our purpose. They bet wrong.

"Over the last five years, the United States and its brave allies have waged an offensive campaign against those who hate free nations and free people," Chiarelli continued. "Let there be no doubt, we will prevail in this struggle."

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq