Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
WASHINGTON D.C. -- Governor Herbert is in Washington D.C. tonight on an economic trip. But today, he stopped by Arlington National Cemetery to pay his respects to the military men and women who have died in the years since 9/11.
He hopes the significance of the anniversary of September 11th will make us pause as Americans to remember the good in the world, our freedom, and those who have lost their lives.
"The 10th year anniversary is a tender time for me. I think for all of us as Americans we remember those families who have given the ultimate sacrifice and the loss of life," Herbert said.
It was a somber day today for the families of loved ones lost as American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon
Families, loved ones, and government dignitaries gathered just outside the 9/11 memorial park on the grounds of the Pentagon this morning.
It was on this spot 10 years ago that terrorists flew a hijacked 757 into the west side of the Pentagon, killing the 64 passengers on board another 125 on the ground.
"We will never forget the human cost paid by this generation - the more than 6,200 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines lost in the line of duty," said Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.
During today's remembrance ceremony, a moment of silence was held at 9:37 a.m. to mark the exact time the Boeing 7-57 crashed into the Pentagon. The memorial garden outside the Pentagon features a bench for every person who died, each etched with their name and reaches out over a reflecting pool.
To the family members, I know what it's like to receive that call out of the blue, that the dearest thing in your life is gone... (Now,) you remember the God-awful empty feeling, you remember being sucked into your own chest, the feeling of helplessness. So, I want you to know I personally believe that the courage that you're showing today is remarkable.
–- Joe Biden
Sunday, members of the various military services placed a wreath at each bench in memory of those lost. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Vice President Joe Biden spoke during today's ceremony. Each reflected on the tragedy of 9/11, but also on the willpower of Americans to never bow in the face of terror. The president placed a wreath at the memorial site.
"The principal terrorist behind these attacks of these attacks has been brought to justice. We will never forget the human cost paid by this generation - the more than 6,200 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines lost in the line of duty," said Panetta. "Like those taken from us on 9/11, we will always remember that they paid the ultimate sacrifice for America."
With the remembrances came resolve: the willpower of Americans to never bow in the face of terror.
"One more thing about this 9/11 generation of warriors: never before in our history has America asked so much, for such as sustained period, of an all-volunteer force," said Biden. "But I can say, without fear of contradiction or being accused of exaggeration, the 9/11 generation ranks among the greatest our nation has ever produced and it was born --it was born --right here on 9/11."
On September 11th 2001, 2,977 people died when planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field.
The plane, which departed from Dulles airport in northern Virginia, was heading to Los Angeles. The victims included a group of children and their chaperones embarking on an educational trip.
Biden, whose first wife and young daughter were killed in a traffic accident in 1972, said he understands what they are going through.
"To the family members, I know what it's like to receive that call out of the blue, that the dearest thing in your life is gone. I know these memorials --and you've been through many --are bittersweet moments for you." he said. "And as you sit here right now, unlike a month ago, everything comes back in stark relief, it's not a thought, it's precise. You remember the God-awful empty feeling, you remember being sucked into your own chest, the feeling of helplessness. So, I want you to know I personally believe that the courage that you're showing today is remarkable."
President Obama later walked over to family members, shaking hands and posing for pictures. And as a thank you, a reminder, and a promise to never forget, a giant American flag was unfurled over the side of the Pentagon
Email:lprichard@ksl.com
