Premier Burt recalls the tragic events of 9/11, which claimed the lives of three Bermudians
Media Release:
Twenty-five years (25) ago today, the world witnessed a tragedy that claimed nearly 3,000 lives and changed countless others forever. Bermuda shared in the grief of September 11. Twenty-five years later, we also remember. We, too, have never forgotten.
For many Bermudians, the memories of September 11, 2001, remain vivid. We each remember where we were and what we were doing when the news came. We remember watching events unfold in disbelief. We remember calling relatives and friends in New York, waiting for word and hoping they were safe.
Three members of our own community died that day. We call their names in remembrance: Rhondelle Tankard, Boyd Gatton and Robert Higley.
Twenty-five (25) years cannot erase the pain and grief of such loss, nor could it make us forget that day and how it changed the world in which we now live.
To the families and loved ones of Rhondelle, Boyd and Robert, we understand that time does not mitigate loss. A significant date can make 25 years feel like yesterday.
Today, Bermuda remembers with you. I also acknowledge that outside of Bermuda, there were many other families who lost loved ones on September 11th, and this year, like every year, is a time to remember them as they grieve. Bermuda’s memorial in the Botanical Gardens contains a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Centre. As the United States Consulate General marks the anniversary of September 11th with a memorial ceremony at the Botanical Gardens to honour those who died, my thoughts are with those who will gather in remembrance and with every family whose loss is honoured there.
