Commemorating 9/11, President Biden calls for unity

President Joe Biden attends a ceremony commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska (USA).

Tổng thống Mỹ Joe Biden phát biểu tưởng niệm 22 năm vụ tấn công khủng bố ngày 11-9-2001 - Ảnh: AFP — *US President Joe Biden speaks at the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks - Photo: AFP*

According to CNN, US President Joe Biden chose Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska as the venue for the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Mr. Biden flew straight to Alaska after ending his visit to Vietnam and left Hanoi on the afternoon of September 11 (Vietnam time).

At Elmendorf, Biden said terrorism, including political and ideological violence, is antithetical to the values America stands for.

"We must not fall into the toxic politics of differences and divisions. We must never allow ourselves to be divided by ill-intentioned grievances. We must remain united. We all have an obligation, a responsibility to protect and preserve this democracy," he declared.

Tối 11-9, màn trình diễn ánh sáng Tribute in Light tượng trưng hai tòa tháp chiếu lên ở thành phố New York để tưởng nhớ các nạn nhân vụ khủng bố ngày 11-9-2001 - Ảnh: AFP — On the evening of September 11, the Tribute in Light light show symbolizing the two towers was lit up in New York City to commemorate the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks - Photo: AFP

Người dân thăm Đài tưởng niệm và Bảo tàng Quốc gia 11-9 tại thành phố New York ngay từ ngày 10-9 - Ảnh: AFP — *People visit the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City from September 10 - Photo: AFP*

In addition, the US President emphasized that although far from New York City, where the terrorist attack occurred 22 years ago , Elmendorf Air Force Base in particular and the entire state of Alaska in general still understand the pain of the country and actively contribute to humanitarian work after the incident.

"We all know that on this day 22 years ago, aircraft from this base were mobilized with a high level of alert to escort flights through this airspace. The Alaskan community opened its doors to stranded passengers. American flags were sold out in every store and hung on every door.

"We know that on this day, every American heart is broken. Yet in every big city, small town, suburb, rural area, tribal community, Americans are rolling up their sleeves, ready to help wherever they can, ready to serve as soldiers here," Biden said.

Ông Sam Pulia, cảnh sát về hưu, cắm cờ tại Đài tưởng niệm và Bảo tàng Quốc gia 11-9 để tưởng nhớ người anh họ là Thomas Casoria, cảnh sát của Sở Cảnh sát New York, mất ngày 11-9-2001 - Ảnh: REUTERS — Retired police officer Sam Pulia places a flag at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in memory of his cousin Thomas Casoria, a New York Police Department officer who died on September 11, 2001 - Photo: REUTERS

Also in his speech, Mr. Biden reviewed Washington's achievements in eliminating terrorism worldwide , including the killing of al Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden in 2011.

President Biden also took this opportunity to pay tribute to the late Senator John McCain, who made great contributions to the normalization of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations.

"One thing I've always admired about John is the way he always put his duty to his country first. And he did, and I'm not exaggerating. Above all parties, above politics, above himself. This day reminds us that we must never forget that national unity. Let's let that unity be the common driving force of this time, let's remember 9/11 by strengthening our faith in each other," the US President shared.

Earlier, on the afternoon of September 11 (Vietnam time), President Biden laid flowers at the bas-relief of the late Senator John McCain on the shore of Truc Bach Lake, Hanoi.