September 10, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Paul Martin issued the following statement today on the fourth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States:

"As we continue to pray for all those along the Gulf Coast of the United States, this morning we solemnly remember the victims of September 11, 2001. We witnessed that day a cowardly act of terror on our closest friend and allies the United States of America; but the events we saw unfold described a human tragedy. Today our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families of the victims, including 26 Canadians.

"Four years ago we were poignantly reminded, as we are now, of the value of friendship between nations. The attack of 9/11 was America’s to endure; but the burden of defending our way of life is one we share. And in the most difficult times, I am proud to say that Canadians have renewed our commitment to defend the values we share in common. In Canada we understand the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

"But today we remember our loss. We mourn with the United States, our friends. And we celebrate the resilience of the American spirit, which we have seen endures, and indeed grows stronger, in the face of their calamity and grief."