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eptember 11, 2001—a day we will never forget. Six years later, CBP employees,

led by Deputy Commissioner Jayson Ahern, gathered to somberly reflect on the events of that terrible day and to thank the heroes who put themselves in harm’s way to save the lives of others.

The ceremony was a joint effort with the Environmental Protection Agency, United States Agency for International Development, General Services Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Protection Service and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

“Words fall short of remembering that day,” said Ahern. “It is a day which now defines the greatest challenge for

the new America: the challenge of global terrorism.”

With the sound of bagpipes in the distance, the audience reflected on the significance of 9/11. “It was important for me today to be with others,” said Hilary Dawson, assistant to the executive director of the Secure Border Initiative, “and to be reminded that the work we do daily at CBP honors those who perished and those who showed tremendous sacrifice through their unselfish heroic actions.”

In a letter to employees, Commissioner Basham stated, “The men and women of CBP understand in a very personal way that America is still very much a target for the terrorists. And in many ways, the work we do every day in our airports and seaports, in desolate mountains and deserts, in the skies and on our

waterways, is a living memorial to the victims of 9/11.”

Ahern urged employees to remain vigilant against potential future attacks. “This is the reality of our job every minute of every day…We

continue to protect our borders and work closely with our partners to ensure we have done everything humanly possible to protect America and American citizens,” he said. ■

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