9-11 Encyclopedia
9 11 review

FINAL Remarks* by Deputy Attorney General LARRY D. THOMPSON
December 11, 2001
The Great Hall
U.S. Department of Justice

OPENING REMARKS

Thank you for coming to this morning's remembrance ceremony which marks the three-month anniversary of the
September 11th terrorists attacks on our Nation. As we begin, I would ask you to all stand during the
Presentation of the Colors by the United States Border Patrol Honor Guard.

PRESENTATION OF COLORS

U.S. Border Patrol Honor to Present Colors

DAG REMARKS

This morning, we gather in this Great Hall of Justice to remember what happened three months ago today. We recall
our shock and horror at the treachery, magnitude, and unspeakable inhumanity of the terrorist attacks on
the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon.

We remember and honor the memories of the thousands of Americans, and citizens from so many other nations, who
perished. We remember, and pay tribute to, the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other individuals
who demonstrated uncommon valor that day, and in the days to come.

We remember the remarkable heroism and poise of the passengers on those ill-fated flights, and we remain
astonished by it.

INTRODUCTION OF SOLICITOR GENERAL TED OLSON

In our own family here at the Department of Justice, no one embodies the meaning of September 11th more than our
Solicitor General, Ted Olson. In the midst of terrible danger and turmoil swirling around her, Ted's beloved
wife Barbara helped to sound a clarion call that awakened our Nation's leaders to the true nature of the events that were unfolding.

In the aftermath of his incalculable loss, Ted contributed to the Department's efforts to secure new legislation
aimed at preventing and disrupting future terrorist attacks. And he has continued to demonstrate
leadership and a commitment to excellence in his advocacy before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ted, I am privileged to serve alongside you. And we are honored by your presence here this morning.

SPEECH BY TED OLSON

MOMENT OF SILENCE

SINGING OF NATIONAL ANTHEM

RETIREMENT OF THE COLORS

Please stand as the Colors are retired.
[wait until colors are retired and bagpipe leave]

CLOSING

I wish to thank the Drug Enforcement Administration Choir and the United States Border Patrol for their
participation in this remembrance ceremony. Thank you all for joining us this morning.

This concludes our ceremony. Thank you.

*NOTE: Mr. Thompson frequently speaks from notes and may depart from the speech as prepared.
However, he stands behind the speech as presented in written format.

9-11 Encyclopedia
911review

911review