Stand With Courage

*One Nation, One Spirit*

September 11, 2002

A Moment of Remembrance Vigil for the Faithful

# WELCOME REMARKS

My fellow Americans, I am \_\_\_\_\_\_(name,
title)\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Welcome to the Stand
With Courage vigil sponsored by the [(Name of organization)]{.underline}
and the White House Commission on Remembrance. Lending support to make
this event possible are: \_\_\_\_\_\_(Last names and/or
organization)\_\_\_\_\_\_.

This day, Americans and freedom-loving people across this country are
gathering. We have come together to remember the victims of the
terrorist attacks on our country one year ago today. We vividly remember
the clouds of smoke staining the morning sky in New York City,
Washington, D.C., and rural Pennsylvania. Suddenly, the voices of
thousands of innocent men, women, and children were silenced by these
acts of terrorism. In the wake of these assaults, America responded with
extraordinary bravery, love, and generosity for our fallen brethren. We
are here to renew our commitment to their memory and affirm that they
did not die in vain.

## We invite the children (our veterans; any special group) here to please step forward and lead us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

## (PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE)

Please join us to sing our National Anthem.

***(NATIONAL ANTHEM)***

# BRIEF REMARKS

At the dawn of our independence, when our forefathers were still
fighting for our nation's freedom, Thomas Paine urged those facing "the
times that try men's souls" to turn their hardship to their own
advantage. "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph," he
said. "What we obtain too cheap\[ly\], we esteem too lightly: it is
dearness only that gives everything its value." These words remain true
today as we courageously move forward to the challenges we now face.

We are a people of infinite spirit. When Americans suffered a staggering
blow one year ago today, we reached into the great reservoir of our
nation's soul to gather strength and resolve to move forward despite our
fears. Today, we gather to remember the victims, to honor those who
exhibited great courage and renew our determination.

-   We Stand With Courage united in our resolve to overcome the threat
    against our nation;

-   We Stand With Courage united in our confidence that America's people
    and leaders will persevere in defense of freedom and justice for
    all;

-   We Stand With Courage united in our conviction that true freedom is
    worth the patriot's price.

The attack of September 11^th^, 2001, was an attack on our precious
freedom. The seeds of terror they hoped to sow have germinated in a
renewed patriotism, love of freedom, and commitment to the American way.
They engendered greater unity and the demonstration of countless acts of
selfless courage. When the smoke cleared from that dark day in our
history, the light of American will and character shown as surely and
strongly as ever.

READING

Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of good courage."

## CANDLE LIGHTING

As we mourn the Americans who were targeted in hatred, we also remember
the citizens of over 80 countries who were killed in the attacks. We now
unite to honor them as we do our own. Please light your candles at this
time.

Our candles represent not only the eternal light of remembrance, but
also the flame of liberty, hope, and courage. As we "Stand With
Courage," our faith, hope, and love of country are stronger than ever.
America has survived a deep wound to her heart, but we have become more
determined than ever to show what it means to be American, to live in
the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The President said America was targeted because it is the "brightest
beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world." America's "light,"
like that shining from the torch of the Statue of Liberty, is an
invitation to the world to join us in our commitment to "liberty and
justice for all." One year after the attack, this light continues to
shine in the hearts of Americans, across our nation, for the entire
world to see. Across the country, Americans gather tonight to
demonstrate our unity and resolve as we "Stand With Courage."

Now, please join us in a prayer of remembrance, written by a United
States Navy chaplain especially for this vigil. The prayer will be led
by ­ [(Name), (Title) .]{.underline}

***(PRAYER)***

Now, with respect and honor, we remember:

-   Those who died at the World Trade Center **(Bell rings)**

-   Those who died at the Pentagon **(Bell rings)**

-   Those who died on United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania **(Bell rings)**

## 

We renew our unwavering commitment to the memory of those we have lost.
In conclusion to this Moment of Remembrance Vigil, please keep your
candles lighted as we sing "God Bless America." Thank you for joining us
in this act of national unity, and remember to continue to let your
light shine, displaying to all nations the unity and power of the
American spirit, which---though it may be challenged---can never be
extinguished. Continue to "Stand With Courage."

## (GOD BLESS AMERICA)