And four years ago, America saw the unparalleled heroism of our nation's public safety officers. We lost brave rescue workers who gave their lives so that others could live. We lost many other citizens who assisted in the rescue efforts, and whose courage and sacrifice that day made them extraordinary.
On September the 11th, 2001, America lost Firefighter Donny Regan of Rescue Company 3 in Bronx. During his 17-year career with the New York City Fire Department he was cited six times for bravery. And today, our nation honors Donny's final act of courage. His son, Peter, lost a father on September the 11th; today, he carries on his father's legacy. Peter followed his dad's footsteps to the fire department. Today he is defending our freedom as a reservist with the 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment in Iraq. (Applause.)
On September the 11th, 2001, America lost Firefighter Ronnie Gies of Squad 288 in Queens. Ronnie had been with the New York Fire Department since 1988. He rushed downtown to the World Trade Center. A video of the day showed Ronnie on his way into the towers. His wife said, "You see him straight on, carrying equipment, with such a look of determination." His own son, Tommy, graduated from the FDNY Academy last August, and is now a member of Ladder 147 in Brooklyn. And we're grateful for Tommy's courage and service. (Applause.)
On September the 11th, 2001, America lost Senior Court Officer Thomas Jurgens, one of about 25 New York State Court officers who responded after the plane hit the first tower. Thomas' last radio transmission came from inside the burning tower, after he'd been warned to get out because the danger was too great. He refused to leave his post. His last words before signing off were, "There are people here who need our help."
On September the 11th, 2001, America lost New York City Police Officer Moira Smith. Moira is remembered by friends for her fearless spirit on and off the job. She ran with the bulls in Spain. And in 1991, she ran into a subway tunnel to rescue dozens of people trapped in one of the worst subway accidents in New York history. On September the 11th, 2001, she ran toward danger once again, into the burning towers of the World Trade Center. A broker she helped to safety remembers her steady blue eyes and her even voice. The next day's papers carried an image of Moira helping an injured man out of the tower, before she rushed back in to save others. And the tower collapsed around her. One of Moira's colleagues said, "She could have saved herself, but nothing would have stopped her saving one more person."
These are some of the examples, only a few of the examples, of the extraordinary bravery that took place that day. All the brave men and women we recognize today brought credit to the uniform, and honor to the United States of America. (Applause.)
And one way our nation can honor their sacrifice is to win the war on terror. (Applause.) On September the 11th, 2001, we saw the future that terrorists intend for us. And I made a decision: America will not wait to be attacked again. We will take the fight to the enemy, and we'll defend our freedom. (Applause.)
Since that day we've taken the fight to the enemy. We're hunting down the terrorists in mountains in Afghanistan, in tribal regions of Pakistan, in the deserts of Iraq, and on islands of Southeast Asia, and the Horn of Africa. We're fighting the terrorists and we're fighting their murderous ideology, by spreading the hope of freedom across the broader Middle East. Free nations are peaceful nations, and by advancing freedom's cause, we are laying the foundation of peace for our children and our grandchildren. (Applause.)
We will succeed. And the legacy of peace and freedom we leave behind will be the greatest memorial to your fallen family members and friends. (Applause.)
The heroes of September the 11th will not be here to see that day. But their moms and dads and children and grandchildren can know a proud America will always stand in the long shadow of their service and sacrifice, and a proud nation will always remember them.
May God bless you all, and may God forever bless the memories of those who sacrificed on behalf of our citizens. (Applause.)
END 1:24 P.M. EDT
Source: White House transcripts
