Trump's 9/11 remembrance: 'Our eyes were opened to the depths of the evil we face'

President Trump participated in two 9/11 ceremonies this morning. The first was a moment of silence at the White House. President Trump and the First Lady exited the White House and stood for a moment of silence with heads bowed. Taps played and then the first couple silently turned and walked back inside. Later in the morning, Trump gave a remembrance speech at the Pentagon.

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Speaking to family members of some of the people killed there 16 years ago, Trump said, “We know that not a single day goes by when you don’t think about the loved ones stolen from your life.” He continued, “Today our entire nation grieves with you and with every family of those 2,977 innocent souls who were murdered by terrorists 16 years ago.”

“On that day not only did the world change but we all changed. Our eyes were opened to the depths of the evil we face,” Trump said.

Later in the speech, Trump told the story of Pentagon police officer Isaac Ho’opi’i who was one of the officers who responded to the Pentagon attack:

On the morning of 9/11, Pentagon police officer Isaac Ho’opi’i, a special person, was one of the many heroes whose love for his fellow Americans knew no bounds. He was a mile away when he got the call over his radio that a plane had crashed into the Pentagon. He sped to the scene and raced into smoke and fire, few people would have done it. He ducked under live electrical wires and trudge through puddles of jet fuel only steps away from sparks and from viscious flame. In the pitch black, he began calling out [to] people in need of help. Isaac heard faint voices and he wanted to answer those faint voices. One by one he carried people out of the burning rubble. He kept going back into the smouldering darkness, calling out to anyone who could hear, anyone who was alive. He saved as many as 20 people who had followed his voice. He carried 8 himself. For nearly 36 hours, Isaac kept on saving lives, serving our nation and protecting our safety in our hour of need. And today Isaac continues to do exactly that. Isaac still works at the Pentagon, now as a seargeant. He’s on duty right now and he’s joined us hear today for the ceremony. And this morning all of us and all of America thank Isaac for his service.

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Trump then pointed out Isaac in the crowd:

“America does not bend. We do not waiver and we will never, ever yield,” Trump said. He continued, “So here at this memorial, with hearts both sad and determined, we honor every hero who keeps us safe and free. And we pledge to work together, to fight together and to overcome together every enemy and obstacle that’s ever in our path.

“Our values will endure. Our people with thrive. Our nation will prevail and the memory of our loved ones will never, ever die.” Here’s the full speech.

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