**** NS Gov Release
Statement on 25th Anniversary of 9/11 --------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: The following is a statement by Premier Tim Houston, read in the legislature today, September 11. --------------------------------------------------------- Twenty-five years ago today, the world watched in horror as terrorists attacked our neighbour, our friends and our family in the United States of America.
We all remember where we were that horrific day.
There are rare occasions when the world is brought to a screeching halt. I remember the world stood still that day.
Today, Nova Scotians and all Canadians have a solemn duty to do the same.
To pause, reflect and remember.
We remember the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters who were killed.
We remember the American families whose lives were changed forever.
We stand still in remembrance today for the nearly 3,000 innocent people – many proud Americans – who lost their lives on that day of evil and terror.
We remember that the attack on the United States of America was indeed an attack on the world.
When the world was attacked, the world responded.
In the hours and days that followed, the world rallied around our neighbour, America.
For the first time in NATO's history, Article 5 was invoked – the solemn promise that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. Twenty-five years later, it remains the only time Article 5 has ever been brought into effect.
And just as swiftly as Canada rallied to the defence and support of our friends in America, so too did we open our communities, our homes and our hearts to those who suddenly found themselves in our care.
From the flags that we lowered to the funds that we raised.
From the folks who were so warmly received to the prayers that were sent.
Over 8,000 people arrived in Nova Scotia on 9/11.
On the first day, we welcomed over 8,000 strangers.
On the third day, we made over 8,000 friends.
And by the fifth … we had over 8,000 members of a strong and united North American family.
As former president Barack Obama described it on the 10th anniversary of 9/11: “In one of the darkest moments in our history, Canada stood by our side and showed itself to be a true friend.”
With everything happening lately between Canada and the United States, I have heard folks ask if we would do the same thing today.
After the tariffs. After the threats of annexation. After the insults levied against our armed forces and veterans, and after trying to change the words on a map. After all of the things that have been said about our country.
I have thought about that. And I know the answer. Of course we would.
We would open the doors. We would make the meals. We would find beds.
When you see someone drowning, you don’t ask where they live or how they voted before you throw them a line.
Canadians and Americans have always shared a border and a bond and always will.
As we remember the horrible events from 25 years ago, let us remind ourselves that, now more than ever, we must stand united against terrorism in all its forms. We must reject violence, hatred and extremism wherever they come from, stand with innocent victims, and defend peace, human dignity, freedom and the rule of law.
Let us remember how Canada showed itself to be a true friend to the United States.
Let us also honour the first responders and the flight crews who did their jobs in the most trying circumstances.
And let us keep foremost in our thoughts the innocent victims of 9/11 and the loved ones they left behind.
