On Thursday, September 11, the Prime Minister of Aruba, Mr. Mike Eman, accompanied by his wife Doina, attended a solemn ceremony at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection area at Queen Beatrix International Airport.
On this date, exactly 24 years ago, one of the greatest tragedies in modern history took place: the terrorist attacks against the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and a plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. In total, more than 3,000 people lost their lives, and many families were forever marked. This event not only shook the United States but also permanently changed security and regulations in global aviation.
During the ceremony, the CBP Director stationed on our island, Mr. Roberts, delivered a deep and emotional speech to the guests present. Among those in attendance were the Director of the Department of Foreign Relations, Mrs. Jocelyne Croes, the Airport Director Mr. James Fazio, and the CBP personnel. The world must never forget the innocent victims, and by remembering them, we continue to honor their memory.
The solemn moment continued with a prayer led by a CBP officer, an act of reflection and spiritual unity. Prime Minister Eman also gave a speech, expressing gratitude and solidarity with all the affected families and peoples. Prime Minister Eman emphasized that Aruba, despite its small size, is part of a global community that felt the same pain and continues to stand firm against terrorism.
At the end of the ceremony, Prime Minister Eman, together with his wife Doina, lit a candle in honor and memory of all those who lost their lives in the tragedy that changed the world forever.
