The following remarks were read to the students of Dobbs Ferry High School at 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2014.

Good morning. May I have your attention…

Today marks the anniversary of the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. For many of us it’s hard to believe that 13 years have already passed. We can easily remember where we were when we heard the news, and the feelings that we had when we were brought to the realization that our nation was under attack.

As we stand firmly planted in 2014, we are in many ways filled with the same degree of uncertainty that we felt 13 years ago. As Americans we carry the weight of that day, and the responsibility to do what is needed to bring peace to what is still a much divided world. As individuals, we keep those who were lost alive in our thoughts and through our actions each time that we volunteer our efforts to a worthy cause or simply lend a hand to someone in need.

To our students, on this day and every day, I call upon you to remember all the good work that you do here in Dobbs Ferry: the friendships you cherish, the family you make proud by your efforts, and the influence you have with your ideas and dreams. As students in an IB World School, we are united by the IB mission to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. We strive for this with the realization that we can never be truly free ourselves until everyone in the world is free.

Today, and every day, look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless, and tolerant…and if possible, say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe. Please join me in a brief moment of silence of as we remember those who lost lives on September 11^th as well as those who lost their lives both before and after this tragic day in pursuit of the freedom of man.

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