Secretary of Defense James Mattis spoke at a somber September 11th memorial at the Pentagon Tuesday morning.
During his address, the revered Marine spoke of the massive blow America suffered on September 11th. “Courage and strength answered amid the fire and smoke over New York City, in a Pennsylvania meadow and in this very building as innocent people from 91 countries were murdered on our soil,” Mattis said, gesturing to the Pentagon that stood behind him.
On September 11th, 2001, five hijackers rammed into the Pentagon killing 125 people in the building and 64 passengers onboard the plane.
Mattis then issued a warning to terrorists and those who wish America harm, declaring, “Americans do not scare.”
“Many of those countries represented by the foreign dignitaries who join us here today. We remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who fell here in America and then on far-flung battlefields,” Mattis continued, “We salute the soldiers, sailors, airmen, courts guard and Marines as they gave their last full measure of devotion declaring proudly that Americans do not scare.”
“We followed to the end of the Earth those who sought to break our spirit,” Mattis said stoically, “Together with the families of the fallen, we remember all that is good, all that is true, and all that is beautiful about those we have lost. And if we remember them, if we honor them by living as they would have us live.”
Mattis served in Iraq and Afghanistan in the global War On Terror.
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