Northfield President: 'Our Nation's Unwavering Dedication'

Village President Fred Gougler shared his Sept. 11 speech, which he gave on Sunday during Northfield's service, with Patch in its entirety.

-----

While this is a sorrowful and somber day, I am glad that we are all gathered here as a community once again to remember and commemorate this day, Sept. 11.

Though 10 years have now passed, it seems like only yesterday. We particularly remember this day those who lost their lives, loved ones and family members in this terrible tragedy, and we remember and honor here in this particular and appropriate place, those emergency responders who lost their lives in a valiant effort to save others.

It is true that 10 years have passed and many things have changed. But one thing that has not changed and will always remain a lasting tribute to those who perished on this day is our nation's unwavering dedication to liberty, to human rights, to justice and goodwill for all people.

These principles remain intact, stronger than ever, and can and never will be defeated by any act, by any person or nation, or any ideology that seeks to limit these basic pillars of human freedom, now or any time.

For this, let us give thanks.

So as we move forward, let us resolve to uphold these principles in our own lives, in our village, in our state and [in] our nation, as a living testament to those who in dying gave new meaning to the call for freedom in this 21st century.

Like Patch on Facebook.