In Remembrance
Today, Friday, September 11, 2020, we will stop to remember those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. All of our checkpoints will halt screening operations at 0846 and observe a moment of silence in memory of when American Airlines flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. We will halt screening operations again at 0903 to observe a second moment of silence in memory of when United Airlines flight 175 struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
Nineteen years ago the United States was viciously attacked by 19 terrorists who hijacked four commercial aircraft and changed the course of our nation. Those acts of terrorism also served as the catalyst for the creation of our Transportation Security Administration. We will never forget the nearly 3,000 people who died on that terrible day. In the nineteen years since 9/11, we continue to honor their memory by resolving to never again allow terrorists to successfully attack our Nation, our citizens and our way of life.
As we look back in remembrance, let us reflect on the courage of the first responders that day, and the perseverance of the American people. Let’s also take the time to re-commit ourselves to something far greater than ourselves as individuals; the oath of office that we all took, to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We are all patriots from different backgrounds united in our commitment to our Nation and to a simple creed: “Not on my watch”. May God bless you, your families, the Transportation Security Administration and the United States of America.
Robert A. Duffy
Federal Security Director
United States Department of Homeland Security
Transportation Security Administration
