Six years ago, on October 12, 2000, al Qaida attacked
the USS Cole, a U.S. Navy warship refueling in Aden harbor in Yemen.
This terrorist attack killed seventeen sailors and injured many others,
leaving the victims' loved ones and our Nation to mourn our collective
loss.
On the sixth anniversary of this attack, we pause to remember those
brave servicemen and women whose lives were cut short by this act of
terrorism and to give thanks to the brave crew whose heroic actions
saved their ship and fellow shipmates.
With the men we believe to be the key architects of that attack now
in custody, this anniversary should serve to renew America's dedication
to bring terrorists to justice and our gratitude to those men and women
of the U.S. Government serving abroad who take great risks in protecting
America.
Six years ago, our Nation was tested by terrorism. Terrorists
continue to be an active threat to our Nation, but we are responding
resolutely and forcefully. On this solemn anniversary, we rededicate
ourselves to the fight against the enemies of humanity, offer our
prayers and condolences to the families of the Cole victims, and offer
thanks to the men and women of our Navy who protect our country and
promote peace and freedom around the world.
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