Solemn Ceremony: Candle in Honor and Memory of All Who Lost Their Lives
ORANJESTAD – On Thursday, September 11, Prime Minister of Aruba, Mr. Mike Eman, accompanied by his wife Doina, attended a solemn ceremony held in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area at Queen Beatrix International Airport.
On this date, 24 years ago, one of the greatest tragedies in modern history unfolded: the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. More than 3,000 lives were lost, leaving countless families forever scarred. These events not only shook the United States but also transformed global aviation safety and security regulations.
During the ceremony, Mr. Wendell A. Roberts, Port Director of CBP in Aruba, delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech. Among the attendees were Mrs. Jocelyne Croes, Director of the Directorate of Foreign Relations, Mr. James Fazio, Director of Queen Beatrix International Airport, and CBP staff. The message was clear: the world must never forget the innocent victims, and through remembrance, their memory is honored.
The ceremony also included a prayer led by a CBP officer, a moment of reflection and spiritual unity. Prime Minister Eman addressed those present, expressing gratitude and solidarity with the families of the victims. He emphasized that although Aruba is a small island, it is part of the global community that shares in the pain of that day and remains steadfast in standing against terrorism.
The ceremony concluded with Prime Minister Eman and his wife Doina lighting a candle in honor and memory of all those who lost their lives in the tragedy that forever changed the world.