9/11 Tributes from the WTCA Network
NEW YORK, NY, USA - "On the anniversary of 9/11 once again we are reminded of the tragic events of loss of innocent lives and destruction which unfortunately is repeated now on daily basis around the world . Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of 9/11 and all the innocent people whose lives are perished in such unnecessary and unacceptable acts of terrorism and aggression.”
- Ghazi Abu Nahl, Chairman, WTCA
"As the anniversary of September 11 approaches, our thoughts are once again with those who lost their loved ones on that tragic morning. The Taipei World Trade Center, along with other members of the WTCA, observes the day, remembering and honoring the victims and their families. Committed to peace and to prosperity through trade and investment, we firmly believe in the sustainable and comprehensive future for all."
- WTC Taipei
“On the behalf of WTC Lyon, I express all my deepest respect to the families which keep mourning their beloved ones, gone because of this tragedy. May everyone learn from this exemplary and loving dedication.”
- Clément Charlieu, WTC Lyon
“September 11 is a day we will all remember where we were and what we were doing. I remember looking out my office window in Washington D.C. and seeing smoke rising from the Pentagon. 9/11 is a day we remember for the horrific violence and honor the lives lost. It is also a day we remember how people pulled together and helped each other. We at the World Trade Center Utah are grateful to be part of an organization that promotes global connectivity and understanding through trade.”
- Derek B. Miller, WTC Utah
"Studying history of the world, we could not find too many dates that impacted the world so much as September 11, 2001. At the beginning of the 21st century, people in the world expected a new horizon of peace and prosperity. But in 3 hours, insanity changed the world, to a terrible world of mistrust, insanity, irrationality and specially lack of respect and love for the others, and what the others think or believe. We hope some day these principles will be recovered as we are recovering one of the most emblematic building in the modern era."
- WTC Montevideo
"On behalf of World Trade Center Santiago we would like to express our sincerest thoughts to all the victims who lost their lives during the terrorism attack. They will never be forgotten. It is difficult to find words to comfort the family hearts who live daily with the shadows of unjust and sorrow. Being united and recognizing the importance of each life are the only ways to avoid horrible events like 09/11. We join the WTCA common goal to spread peace and prosperity through trade and investment."
- WTC Santiago
"With September 11 approaching, the WTC Dresden joins the WTCA in their commemoration of the victims and families. Together with the WTCA, we in Dresden stand united in our quest to achieve a lasting peace and prosperity throughout the world, which can only be achieved by the promotion of mutual understanding and respect, together with the affirmation that WTCs around the world will continue to stand their ground against any attempts of the disruption of international trade and peaceful coexistence."
- WTC Dresden
"9/11 is behind us. On the fateful day fourteen years ago, the world was rudely shaken by the brutal act which claimed thousands of innocent lives and shattered peace around the world. Today, as we commemorate 9/11, we are reminded of the inspirational words of Martin Luther King Jr., 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.'
World Trade Centers Association has risen from the ashes with courage and determination. The network of 323 World Trade Centers in 90 countries today represents a symbol of unity, solidarity and fraternity. The bond has grown stronger and the resolve to promote peace through trade deeper.
World Trade Center Mumbai joins in prayer for those who sacrificed their lives and solemnly reaffirms its commitment to work together to promote a global order of peace and stability through trade."
- Kamal Morarka, Chairman, WTC Mumbai
"WTC Tampa Bay would like to remember each life lost 13 years ago today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s families and friends not only today, but every day. Let us remember that together as members of the human race, we should always strive to promote respect and harmony across diverse cultures and traditions around the world."
- WTC Tampa Bay
"We will always remember this day 14 years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who perished and their families, and everyone whose lives were affected on 11 September in 2001. May the Twin Towers be remembered as a symbol of peace and tolerance in the years to come."
- WTC Macau
"Our hearts and thoughts go to the families who lost their loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, specially to our beloved and never forgotten Pedro Grehan's family. WTC Buenos Aires pays tribute to them and hopes that wold peace and global prosperity will triumph over senseless violence and terror."
- WTC Buenos Aires
"This week, and especially tomorrow, I will remember those we lost on that dark day 14 years ago, and the loved ones they left behind. This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder to me that relationships we share must transcend political beliefs, social status, and geography."
- Bella Heule, WTCA
On behalf the WTC Algiers team, we quote this poem as a commemoration of September 11:
9-11, emergency some will say,
but no one will forget that September day.
When the strongest people and the bravest souls
risked their lives to go below.
The crashing towers falling down
spreading sadness all around.
We felt bravery for those who knew the cost,
and we felt sadness for all the ones we lost.
But out of the rubble rose wings of Hope
maybe someday we all will cope.
But until that day we all will grieve
and deal with a memory that will never leave.
For our answers we look to the heavens
and deal with the pain of September 11th.
By: Jammie Howard 12
- WTC Algiers
“On behalf of WTC Bangalore, we would like to pay tribute to the families of those who lost their loved ones at the 9/11 attacks 14 years ago. We join the WTCA family in this moment of grief and reaffirm our commitment to peace & prosperity through trade & investment”
– World Trade Center Bangalore
"Fourteen years ago a deep wound was cut into the very heart of humanity... for many of us it is bleeding still. The only way to overcome the grief is to keep serving the goals the WTC Twin Towers were built for and stood for. They were home to our WTC Association… The Association gets stronger by the day. And keeps Growing Trade, Investment, Prosperity and Peace among nations through the various instruments of International commerce. Thus, even if the buildings are gone, the idea behind them is very much alive and so much stronger!"
- WTC Bucharest
"Deepest condolences for the victims. But also congratulations for the revival of the new NYC WTC."
- WTC Bordeaux
"World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia remembers and honors those that lost their life, their families, and the many first- responders who paid the ultimate sacrifice on that day.
As a world trade center, we are forever identified with this tragic time in our country’s past and yet our mission encourages us to believe in a more promising future where fostering trade among nations leads to greater understanding and cooperation, shared prosperity, and peace."
- WTC Greater Philadelphia
"Our CEO Paul CHAFFARD, our General Manager Benoît VINCENT and all the Staff of the World Trade Center Marseille Provence wish to wholeheartedly express their condolences on this tragic day. You are with us in our thoughts."
- WTC Marseille Provence
"From Mississippi we express are utmost thoughts and prayers of healing for all of the innocent lives lost and the families affected today on this 14th anniversary of 9/11. We continue to believe that peace and prosperity can be achieved through the relentless pursuit of understanding other cultures through, international trade and commerce. We hope that around the globe today everyone pauses to remember how it affects each and every one of us and how we might change to make a difference."
- WTC Mississippi
"With each year that passes it becomes harder to express the sorrow we feel for those who lost their lives this day 14 years ago. The significance of 9/11 should serve as a reminder of our responsibility to overcome any actions or inactions that compromise peace. We must continue to conduct trade in a way that fosters greater prosperity for all and consider the ramifications by not doing so. With this we pay homage to our colleagues who lost their lives on September 11th 2001 and extend our heartfelt condolences to all family members and friends on this day of commemoration."
- WTC Dublin
"This day has become our association's memorial day. We in Poland have organized a major national memorial event on 2011, at the national theater. We organized on the 10th anniversary a national memorial event with the president of Poland, the American ambassador and the national orchestra.
It is our duty, not only to remember but to remind others that the world will not tolerate terrorism in any form. Our organization's flag is promotion of peace and prosperity of nations . We are also condemning any terror that promotes hatred and death.
We also remember our friend who died in this attack, Todd, the dear son of the former WTCA Vice President Herb Ouida, who created a charity foundation to commemorate his son.
It is our duty not only to remember 9/11 but to actively continue to advance, in our respective markets, our association's mission of promoting peace and friendship between nations through trade."
- WTC Warsaw
“May our prayers on this day go to the families and all the ones affected by the 9/11 attacks 14 years ago. With each year that goes by, we are reminded that it is in all of us to stop violence and spread prosperity and integrity in order to make a change. May the memories of the victims serve as an anthem for world peace and solidarity.”
- WTC Lima
"On this anniversary of 9/11, the Northern California World Trade Center joins the World Trade Center Association and its members around the globe in expressing our condolences to all those affected by the tragic attacks of that dark morning 14 years ago.
We will continue to work towards a more peaceful world through the cultivation of international trade, shared prosperity and global connections."
- WTC Northern California - Sacramento
"Today we pause to remember and honor the victims of the 9/11 tragedy and their families. We are also reminded of the importance of spreading peace and integrity in all that we do, and to be advocates of unity in the cause of promoting international trade and investment."
- WTC New Orleans