Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 10, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke’s Statement on Third Anniversary of September 11 Attacks

Gov. Gary Locke today issued the following statement on tomorrow’s third anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks:

“September 11, 2001, occupies hallowed ground in the landscape of our memories. Three years later, it remains a painfully poignant day. The very words ‘September 11’ stir a silent, solemn sorrow, deep within our souls. They always will.

“We still mourn. We still pray for the lost, and for the families they left behind. We still seek solace and meaning. We still honor the dead, the survivors, and the many, many heroes of three years ago.

“But from the endless embers of that dark day, a torch was ignited. A torch whose fierce flame illuminates a determined America. A torch of freedom, justice, and courage. A torch of humanity.

“The most lasting tribute we can offer to our heroes goes beyond expressions and gestures and the sharing of emotions—it lies in what we do.

“Instead of just talking about a stronger America, let each of us help make it happen.

“Let’s make a pledge together that on September 11, we will each do one tangible, real thing to improve our community, our state, our nation. Sign up as a volunteer. Pledge to contribute to a non-profit organization. Drop off some groceries at a food bank. Give blood. Clean up a park. Help a neighbor. Help a stranger.

“I especially encourage support for the Law Enforcement Memorial under development in Olympia. The memorial will honor 275 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty in Washington since 1853. The newly created 10-99 Foundation will provide an endowment to maintain the memorial and to support families of slain officers.

“The best way to remember and honor the victims of September 11, 2001, is by building a better America, one community at a time. We must ask what we can do for our communities, and do it.

“We must all strive to be everyday heroes, because America at its best and strongest is a nation of everyday heroes. We can build such a nation together.”

Editor’s Note: Locke will be speaking at the Law Enforcement Memorial Dinner tomorrow at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. He will be holding a media availability at 5:45 p.m., before the dinner, outside the Spanish Ballroom at the hotel.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive