Dublin marks 911 anniversary

The 10th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks has been marked at a poignant memorial in Dublin.

US Ambassador to Ireland Daniel Rooney and his wife Patricia hosted a Ceremony of Peace and Reflection at the RDS Concert Hall.

The President and Taoiseach Enda Kenny were among the dignitaries at the memorial, attended by former New York Police Department Lieutenant William Cosgrove and New York firemen Michael O’Rourke, Thomas O’Rourke and Chief Dan Daly.

Mary McAleese told the ceremony the horror of 9/11 still has a chilling immediacy.

“The television pictures are etched on our minds and the tide of grief has never ebbed,” she said.

“Ireland stood then, as we stand today, shoulder to shoulder with our friends and family in the United States.

“We share our remembering as an act of solidarity with all those who were bereaved or injured and with all those who gave their lives or sacrificed their health in order to help, for if terrorism manifested the meticulously planned worst of human nature that day, there were surely so many others who with no more than a heartbeat to decide, displayed a selfless generosity and spontaneous courage of astounding depth.”

Ms McAleese offered the country’s renewed condolences and prayers to the bereaved and injured, and abiding respect to the emergency personnel.

“We have always been so proud of Ireland’s longstanding association with America’s police and fire departments,” she added.

“On that day of days your ready heroism showed us so clearly the source of that pride.”

Mrs Rooney read a poem written by US Poet Laureate Billy Collins soon after the attacks. Called The Names, it has been read in Congress every year since.

A striking piece commemorating September 11 was also presented to the ambassador for the city of New York. Called Miracle on Stairwell B, it was specifically created for the 10-year anniversary by Sean Egan, a master engraver who worked with Waterford Crystal for 35 years.

The Soul Steps Dance Troupe from New York City closed the event with a special step dance performance entitled 'Stepping In Remembrance: The Beat Goes On'.

Mr Kenny said the event captured the poignancy of the tragic terror attacks.

Mr Rooney told politicians, diplomats and members of the clergy the ceremony was in honour of the heroes of 9/11.

“These heroes, these firemen, these policemen, first-responders, clergy, soldiers, colleagues, brothers, sisters, who did not run from danger, but ran into danger,” he said.

“We salute some of these brave men who are with us in this place.”

He said they also gathered to remember those killed fighting terrorism and to show the terrorist attacks have failed.

“Though thousands of innocents have fallen, not to rise, those who have used terror have failed,” he added.

“Individuals, communities, and nations have shown they are stronger than fear.

“Though we are ever mindful of our losses, our deep and painful losses, today we together look forward to the future. We look forward to a better and brighter future.

“We stand together, today in this place of remembrance, and every day looking forward to a time without fear, without war.”