A Unified CBP in Sault Ste Marie Honor the Heroes and the Fallen on the Eleventh Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Sault Ste Marie, Mich. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) honored the heroes and the fallen of the 9/11 terrorist attacks today with a moment of silence.

The attack on the United States solidified the resolve of a nation and brought us closer together. Over three thousand men, women, and children died in this horrific event masterminded by Osama bin Laden.

“Many (CBP employees) have told me that (they) draw great strength and determination from the events of 9-11. This is how it should be, because our best response to terrorism is to come back stronger and better. And I believe the men and women of CBP are helping the nation do just that by securing our borders, by welcoming an unfettered flow of international visitors to our shores each day, and by helping transform the world of international commerce,” said Deputy Commissioner David V. Aguilar. 

“We remember 9/11 as a horrible tragedy, a murderous attack, but more so a resolve to never let this happen again,” stated Port Director Patrick J. Wilson, “That is one reason you see us working hand in hand with agents from CBP Air and Marine and Border Patrol; to strengthen not only our port, but our community and our nation.”

At 8:46 am the officers stopped their duties and faced the American flag while the electronic signage overhead was changed to recognize United Flight 93, The Pentagon, and World Trade Center Towers One and Two. Field Operations Officers were joined this year by agents from the U.S. Border Patrol to honor the heroes and fallen of this tragedy, and treat this solemn occasion with reverence and pride. Traffic was stopped, and vehicles were placed in front of the plaza to help highlight the significance of this day and the mission of our agency.

“We proudly serve our nation and this day reinforces our mission and priorities,” stated Office of Air and Marine’s Unit Supervisor Eric Harstvedt.

The officers in Sault Ste Marie do more than just inspect and examine travelers at the International Bridge, they are tasked throughout the United States and overseas in support of our mission to detect and intercept terrorists and their weapons before they enter our country. Officers are detailed around the United States and the world to help detect and deter additional attacks on the homeland. These officers work hand in hand with their brothers and sisters in Border Patrol, Air and Marine, as well as our State, Local and Tribal partners. The faces that you see at the border are faces that you will see in the community as well.

“Although we have different duties, our mission to protect the country is the same. Working together on this solemn day is an honor for my agents and me.” stated Patrol Agent in Charge D’Arcy Rivers of the U.S. Border Patrol.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

9/11 Memorial at Alpine, Texas Border Patrol Station Unveiled

Marfa, Texas – It took 10 months, but Alpine Station Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge Lewis Reynolds’ plan for a memorial came to fruition on Sunday, September 11. Almost 700 people turned out for the unveiling of a twisted steel beam that had been carefully displayed as a reminder of the fateful 9/11 attacks.

Reynolds’ plan resulted in a 4,300-mile trip to New York to pick up the World Trade Center artifact. He and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent David Marshall made the trip in a stake bed truck.

Upon their return to Alpine, they were greeted with a solemn cavalcade of law enforcement vehicles and a lot of hard work to prepare a resting place for the beam.

With the assistance of Field Operations Supervisor Brent Johnson and a number of off duty agents, Marfa Sector facilities maintenance personnel and retired Border Patrol agents, a concrete pad was poured. Lighting was installed and proper steel mount was constructed. The mount is surrounded by a beautifully welded aluminum pyramid.

Ironically, the ground breaking ceremony for the Alpine Station was held on the morning of September 11, 2001.

Brewster County Judge Val Beard was the keynote speaker for the unveiling ceremony. She was also present at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2001. During her speech she emphasized the importance of the Marfa Sector in the protection of the United States.

Chief Patrol Agent John J. Smietana Jr., gave the memorial address and reminded the audience that as the World Trade Center fell the Alpine Station was rising to provide a beacon for the security of our nation.

Reynolds described the monument as a symbol of the American people, “of our ability to rise above the adversity, to come together to defeat our enemies.”

The memorial is on the grounds of the Alpine Station, and is open to the public. The station is located west of Alpine, Texas, on Highway 90.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

CBP, Coast Guard in Puerto Rico Join to Remember 9/11

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Sustaining an enduring collaboration in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, all operational components of Customs and Border Protection joined the U.S. Coast Guard in remembering Friday the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

With the backdrop of the Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen Community Center, in Ramey, a commemoration event was organized by a joint committee with the purpose of collectively reflect on the meaning of such fateful date.

The symbolism of the occasion was led by a joint CBP and USCG honor guard, engaging in all the official activities that included the show of colors, a flag folding ceremony, and a three volley salute. The folded U.S. flag was presented as a gift from CBP to the event host, Capt. Robert Phillips.

In his welcome remarks, Air Station Borinquen Commander Captain Philips used the famous quote “'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” to highlight how through remembering the tragic events, our missions and collective resolve to protect the nation is always present. “We are a united DHS,” he added.

On behalf of CBP, Director of Field Operations Marcelino Borges shared “the security of our borders and country as a whole remains our highest priority, and even as many threats still linger, our nation is stronger than it was on 9/11”.

In preparation for the event, an essay contest was held in which employees throughout Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands could share what 9/11 meant for them. The three winning essays were recognized at the event, to wit: Marine Interdiction Agent Isidro Linares, first place; Port Director Felix Cruz-Diaz, second place; and Air Interdiction Agent William G. Sterling, third place.

A poignant e-mail written by a former Border Patrol Agent turned Air Marshall, as he flew over ground zero on the first anniversary of 9/11, was read by Chief Patrol Agent Michael DeBruhl.

The event came to an emotional peak, as Eileen Millan read the recollection of her aunt, a survivor from the World Trade Center.

To close the moving ceremony, air assets from Air Station Borinquen and the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch performed a fly-by all those attending.

Director of Air Operations Johnny Morales thanked those in attendance indicating that “we should never forget what happened that day, which is the reason why we are committed to protect our great nation.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Statement from the Department of Homeland Security

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Statement from DHS Press Secretary Matt Chandler:

“As we know from the intelligence gathered from the OBL raid, AQ has shown an interest in important dates and anniversaries, such as 9/11. In this instance, it’s accurate that there is specific, credible but unconfirmed threat information. As we always do before important dates like the anniversary of 9/11, we will undoubtedly get more reporting in the coming days. Sometimes this reporting is credible and warrants intense focus, other times it lacks credibility and is highly unlikely to be reflective of real plots underway. Regardless, we take all threat reporting seriously, and we have taken, and will continue to take all steps necessary to mitigate any threats that arise. We continue to ask the American people to remain vigilant as we head into the weekend.”