President George W. Bush dedicated the first September 11 memorial Thursday at the Pentagon, hailing the "heroes of 9/11" and the absence of terrorist attacks on US soil in the seven years since. Americans visiting the memorial, a simple plaza with cantilevered benches for each of the 184 victims at the Pentagon, "will learn that this generation of Americans met its duty," Bush said.
"We did not tire, we did not falter, and we did not fail," he said. Thousands, including relatives of the victims, gathered at the Pentagon to dedicate the first September 11 memorial Thursday, observing a moment of silence to mark the deadliest attack ever on the United States. Al Qaeda suicide hijackers first flew two commandeered airliners into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, another into the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed, triggering seven years of war in Afghanistan and later in Iraq. "One of the worst days in America's history saw some of the bravest acts in America's history," Bush said. "We'll always honour the heros of 9/11 and here at this hallowed place we pledge never to forget their sacrifice."
"Since 9/11 our troops have taken the fight to the terrorist abroad so we do not have to face them here at home," he said. "Thanks to the brave men and women and all those who work to keep us safe there has not been another attack on our soil in 2,557 days," he said.
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