U.S. citizens and Costa Ricans united at the Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center (CCCN) in San José’s Sabana Norte on Sunday to pay their respects on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Washington, D.C. and New York City on Sept.11, 2001.
The ceremony opened with the singing of the national anthems of both the United States and Costa Rica.
Anne Andrew, U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica, said, “The 10th anniversary is a day of recollection. Share your memories; share your thoughts about that day. It is our shared story about Sept. 11 that we want our children to remember.”
San José Mayor Johnny Araya attended the service and said, “Today I want to celebrate the memory of the almost 3,000 people who lost their lives in the most absurd and insane terror attack in the history of the United States and of the world. The bravery of the firefighters, health workers, public service officials and armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day will be written on the most honored pages of the history of humanity.”
A statue of the Twin Towers, created by U.S. artist Roland Hackett, was rededicated at the ceremony. Wreaths were laid at the statue, which was originally installed outside the CCCN in 2004.
“The presence of the public security minister, the mayor, so many citizens, Costa Rican firefighters and our U.S. Marines demonstrates how deep the bonds are between our countries,” Ambassador Andrew told the Tico Times. “I think it shows how committed we are, not just as a country, but as a people continuing to work together.”
