For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
BOSTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Boston to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and participate in several commemorative events honoring the 9/11 families, first responders and rescue workers.
“Ten years after 9/11 we see evidence of renewal and resilience all around us,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Today, as we honor the fallen, let us all continue to work together to remember, renew, and make our country safer and more resilient in the future. That is the best possible tribute that we can provide.”
In the morning, Secretary Napolitano joined Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Governor Tim Murray, and Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakely at a 9/11 commemorative Flag Lowering ceremony in front of the Massachusetts State House, where officials honored the victims of 9/11 by observing a moment of silence to mark the moment when the first plane struck the north tower and by reading the names of the passengers of American Airlines Flight 11 and United Flight 175 that originated in Boston on September 11, 2001.
After the Flag Lowering Ceremony, Secretary Napolitano, Lt. Governor Murray, Senator John Kerry, Senator Scott Brown, and other officials delivered remarks at the House chamber Memorial Service at the Massachusetts State House chamber.
While in Boston, Secretary Napolitano also participated in the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund National Day of Service and Remembrance—assembling care packages with volunteers that will be shipped from Massachusetts to military personnel stationed around the globe.
Later, Secretary Napolitano will return to Washington, D.C. and attend the Concert for Hope, along with President Obama and other government officials at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Yesterday in New York City, Secretary Napolitano addressed families, survivors, and rescue and recovery workers at the Voices of September 11th Day of Remembrance event, toured the World Trade Center Memorial and Museum, and attended the Fire Department Memorial Service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral—paying tribute to the memories of the 343 members of the New York City Fire Department who sacrificed their lives a decade ago.
As we remember 9/11 and pay tribute to the victims, families, first responders and rescue workers, the federal government is united in honoring the entire 9/11 community—working together to ensure the safety, security and resiliency of our nation.
For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov.
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