Washington - Dr. Rajwant Singh, was among many invited guests to take part in a solemn ceremony marking the six month
anniversary of the tragedy of September 11 on the White House South Lawn.
With flags of many world nations at his back, President Bush spoke to
members of Congress, top administration officials and relatives of some 300 victims who were there to commemorate the day six months ago that New
York's World Trade Center, and the Pentagon just outside Washington, were attacked. At the stage were more than 100 ambassadors, some of who
publicly restated solidarity with Bush's fight against terrorism. This included the ambassadors of India and Pakistan. The guests included the
military leaders of 27 nations.
He described Sept. 11 as not only a day of tragic, multiple hijackings, but also a day when the world ''was stirred to anger and to action'' over
terrorism. ''And the terrorists will remember Sept. 11 as the day their reckoning began,'' Bush said.
''For America, the war on terror is not just a policy, it's a pledge,'' Bush said. ''I will not relent in this struggle for the freedom and
security of my country, and the civilized world.'' The president spoke to an audience of more than 1,000 people seated on the South Lawn.
While reflecting on the day, Dr Rajwant Singh said, " When one looks back on the horrors of September 11, 2001, one is struck by the strength
and solidarity displayed by the American people and its leaders on that day of infamy and henceforth. While one of the terrorists objectives was
to spread fear, they not only underestimated the resolve of the American people…. they ended up making the country even stronger.”
He further added, "President Bush has exhibited the highest standards of leadership, recognizing that in the terrorists we have a mortal enemy,
but also repeatedly urging calm and caution internally. He has shown
compassion and sensitivity to religious and ethnic minorities, like the Sikhs, who became the unfortunate casualties of misdirected anger.
Because of his leadership, attacks on those who may look different, or
dress differently, or hold different religious beliefs, have been generally curtailed. The Sikh American community supports the leadership
of our government and stands ready to serve in its defense.”
He stated, "In addition, Sikhs throughout the country - indeed throughout the world- wish to express their sympathy and support for all those who
lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks, or whose lives were disrupted
or business destroyed in the wake of the tragedy. We reassert our pride in being Sikh Americans, and we congratulate the great American people
for the patience and fortitude they have demonstrated in this time of
pressure and provocation."
External Links: