We know enough to stand here in truth - facing pain, cry and suffering of those who were murdered here. Face to face with the victims' families who are here today. Before the judgment of our own conscience.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Once we know of atrocities we cannot remain silent, and knowledge inevitably leads to an urge to protect the innocent.
To be remembered after we are dead, is but poor recompense for being treated with contempt while we are living.
We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
We seek the truth and will endure the consequences.
We need to notice and be aware of the injustices embedded in our criminal system.
We need to look at truth. We need to look at justice, and we need to look at righteousness. And let that be our guide going forward.
Given my last position, that I was the first U.S attorney post 9/11 in New Jersey, I understand acutely the pain and sorrow and upset of the family members who lost loved ones that day at the hands of radical Muslim extremists. And their sensitivities and concerns have to be taken into account.
We have to support truth and reconciliation and some form of justice.
Here rests the soul of our nation - here also should be our conscience.
The dead cannot cry out for justice. It is a duty of the living to do so for them.