Now that the decision has been made to transfer the case of the self-proclaimed mastermind of the September 11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, to a civilian trial in Manhattan instead of a Military Commission, the families of the thousands who perished on 9/11 will face a year or more to relive the horror of that day. Imagine a scenario where Mohammed, who has already confessed and bragged about his actions, is released from prison and allowed to go home to a hero’s welcome; then, try to imagine the pain that those families would endure.

Thank you, Frank, for your introduction and for your stewardship of this incredible organization — this family of families — dedicated to the memory of those who were loved so much.

To Mary Kay Stratis and all the spouses and families and friends, I am deeply humbled to join you on a day that I know is still difficult for so many of you. For others, 21 years might seem like a lifetime. To you, I know it seems like just yesterday.

And so for you and your families, this is an intensely personal moment. At the same time, it is a day for our nation — to remember, to reflect and to reaffirm our commitment to spare others the pain and loss you have known.

We will be holding our Annual Memorial Service at Arlington National Cemetery at 12:30pm on Monday, December 21, 2009.

For hotel and other information, please contact us

• November 2009 - Syracuse Remembrance and Annual Meeting
• December 21, 2009 - 21st Annual Remembrance Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary

This year’s events will include a series of panel discussions about the ways in which current issues of terrorism are still relevant to the Pan Am tragedy, a memorial performance on Thursday, November 12th to honor the individuals lost in the disaster, and the annual Rose Laying Ceremony on Friday, November 13th at 2:03 pm at the Wall of Remembrance in front of the Hall of Languages, followed by the Remembrance Convocation at 3:30 pm in Hendricks Chapel. On Saturday, November 14th, we will hold our Annual Membership Meeting at Byrd Library. The meeting will begin at 10am.