The President Joe Biden led a memorial at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson in Anchorage Monday, on day of commemoration for the terrorist attacks on 9/11. He recalled that day 22 years ago.
“My fellow Americans September 11th 2001 challenged our strength, determination and courage,” Biden said. “The burning smoke and Ash, the darkness and clear blue sky the day of September. These concrete slabs made of steel that fell at The World Trade Center. The fire plume which erupted in the sky and the Pentagon.”
Biden made a stop at JBER while returning after JBER on his way back from the G20 meeting in India as well as a visit to the diplomatic sphere to Vietnam.
He stayed for more than 15 minutes within a hangar brimming with Alaskan military personnel and their families and more than 12 political leaders and policymakers, including Governor. Mike Dunleavy, U.S. Congresswoman Mary Peltola and Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson.
The president stated that even although JBER was a long distance far from both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon but the distance “did not diminish or lessen the suffering.”
“We are aware that on this date, 22 years ago, from our base in the Philippines, we on high alert to help escort planes through airspace,” the president stated. “Alaskan communities offered their homes to passengers. American flags, which were sold at every location, and put in front of every house.”
Biden condemned terror — not just international, but also domestic and even ideological violence. Biden also used the occasion to urge unity across the nation.
“That’s how we can truly pay tribute to those that we suffered on the day of 9/11.” Biden said. “By taking a moment to reflect on the things we can do together. To recall what was damaged the way we repaired it. The things that were threatened, which we defended. What was fought, but an invincible American spirit triumphed over everything.”
Biden’s visit in Anchorage follows five days since his administration cancelled oil leases for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which was condemned by the Alaska congressional delegation, as well as Governor. Dunleavy. In his remarks to the president, Dunleavy sought to find a agreement between the Republican governor in their home town.
“We’re each originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania,” Biden stated. “I really wish I had him in my high school’s basketball team when I was a player. I could have been an All-American with you standing there with me.”
Dunleavy addressed the president before his speech but he did not make reference to ANWR however, he did mention the military’s strategic position of Alaska around the globe.
“Parts from Alaska are only 2.4 miles from the one of our closest neighbours, Russia,” Dunleavy declared. “Servicemen and women at JBER are able to intercept Russian fighters regularly. Alaska has also been within the reach of Korean missiles and Chinese warships patrol the waters off our shores.”
Rep. Peltola spoke ahead of the remarks by President Obama in addition. She also did not refer to ANWR She did talk about the extraction of resources in Alaska generally, describing Alaska energy “one of the nation’s strongest defenses against aggression from abroad.”
“Today our president has returned from a meeting with partners in Asia and Asia, who are seeking independence from the sway of dictatorship states,” Peltola said, “and consider Alaska’s resources an opportunity to achieve their own independence, proving that America is an inspiration to the rest of the globe.”
Following his remarks President Obama shook the hands of audience members for a long time before leaving for Air Force One back to Washington, D.C.
Check out the complete remarks:
