September 11 Observance Ceremony

Remarks by LTG Ronald L. Burgess, Jr.
10 September 2010

Tomorrow is the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Despite the passage of time, memories of that difficult day remain sharp — a day that began with a clear blue sky and ended in disbelief, uncertainty, sadness and anger. Out of the destruction at the Pentagon and the World Trade Center came the nation’s continuing resolve to defeat Al-Qaida and its affiliates.

Our memories of that day are unclouded by time. Nor has time dimmed our memories of those taken from us nine years ago — our DIA colleagues, our friends and our family members.

Rosa Chapa
Sandra Foster
Robert Hymel
Shelley Marshall
Patricia Mickley
Charles Sabin
Karl Teepe

The lives of these men and women continue to speak to the stakes faced by our nation and the urgency of this agency’s mission. Their commitment, dedication and ultimately their sacrifice continue to inspire those serving today. That inspiration is now part of the legacy of those taken from us — a lasting contribution that complements our memories of them. We feel that legacy today as strongly as we feel their absence from our ranks.

As we remember and honor those lost nine years ago, our resolve remains unshaken. No matter time’s passage, despite setbacks and uncertainty, in the face of hardship and risk, each of you remains focused on the mission, risks, enemies and challenges that face our nation today and may arise tomorrow. Already this agency’s strong performance today is part of our legacy — one that I believe exceeds any other chapter in our nearly 50-year history. Though we pause on this day to remember, our vital work in defense of the nation continues.