Thirteen years ago today, the entire world watched in shock as America was struck by the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Those events are still etched vividly in our collective memories. We can never forget the nearly 3,000 people — sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers from more than 90 nations, including four from France, who perished on that dark day. But if those terrorists intended to inflict a debilitating wound to the American people or to modern society, the subsequent days, months and years proved how wrong they were. With the support of many nations, we resolved to defend our common values and humanity, while defeating those who seek only to inflict harm. France, in particular, has been one of our most steadfast and reliable partners in this effort, from our nation’s founding to this day. The principles of liberty and tolerance proclaimed by the Declaration of Independence and the Déclaration des droits de l’homme et du citoyen are the foundation bedrock upon which our nations and our shared alliance have been built for over two centuries.
