Press Releases
U.S. Embassy commemorates September 11 with a moment of silence
Riga, September 10, 2008 – Tomorrow, September 11, the United States Embassy in Latvia will observe a moment of silence to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the hijacking of United Airlines flight 93.
Ambassador Charles Larson and members of the embassy community will observe a moment of silence at 0830 in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and of all other innocent victims of terrorism around the globe. In memory of this tragic event, the Ambassador has issued the following statement:
“September 11th was the worst attack America has ever suffered on its own soil. It also led to the first – and only – invocation by NATO of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which declares an attack on any one member an attack on all. The United States greatly appreciates all that Latvia has done in our common struggle to defend peace, security and democracy with its significant contributions to our shared missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. We will always remember that Latvia was one of the first countries to join us in the fight against international terrorism and the people of the United States will remain forever grateful for Latvia’s standing beside us in our hour of need”.
Flags at the embassy, and at U.S. Government facilities worldwide, will be flown at half mast in honor of the victims.