Speeches by Secretary Elaine L. Chao

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Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Unveiling of September 11, 2001 Commemorative Bronze Plaques
Great Hall, Frances Perkins Building
U.S. Department of Labor
Washington, D.C.
Thursday, September 11, 2003

In 2002, I asked Pat Pizzella to convene a group representing the agencies within the Department of Labor to plan how we would observe the first anniversary of September 11^th.

One of the panel’s suggestions was to create a permanent memorial commemorating the events of September 11^th, 2001. Some suggested that we honor the victims, survivors and rescuers of 9/11. Others wanted to recognize the DOL employees involved in the rescue, recovery and assistance efforts after 9/11. So I decided that both would be appropriate and we are here today to officially unveil these memorials.

The bronze plaque on the right has a representation of each one of the three sites of the terrorist attacks: the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and the field in Shanksville, PA where United Flight 93 crashed.

The inscription reads:

“In remembrance of the brave heroes, innocent victims and survivors of the attacks on our country on September 11, 2001. Our hearts are united in grief and our spirits resolute in this war on terror.”

We have also included President George W. Bush’s eloquent quote that, “None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.”

The bronze plaque on the left says:

“In recognition of our dedicated Department of Labor employees who worked at ground zero, the Pentagon, and throughout the United States to assist the victims and survivors of the attack of September 11, 2001. Your commitment, courage and compassion are an inspiration to us all.”

As I have said many times before, I am so proud of the role that the Department of Labor played in helping our country recover from the economic after shocks of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Many of you worked above and beyond the call of duty at Ground Zero. Others devoted countless hours to delivering critical assistance to those who lost their livelihoods as a result of the attacks. As the President has said, our economic security is as important as our national security. You are playing a key role in winning the war against terror with the work you do everyday.

So it is my great pleasure to officially unveil these plaques, which I hope will be an inspiration to you, your families and to every visitor who walks through these hallways in the years to come.

[The Secretary pulls the cord to unveil the plaques.]

Thank you for coming.

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