Ten years ago a beautiful September day was shattered by the horrific acts of evil set on destroying the symbols of American democracy and strength. Through the heroic actions of a few Americans on Fight 93, who gave the ultimate sacrifice, the US Capitol itself was saved from destruction.

On behalf of the men and women of the Architect of the Capitol who serve Congress and the Supreme Court every day, preserving these icons of democracy and justice, and inspiring visitors from around the world  - we are forever in the debt of those brave individuals resting in the fields of Pennsylvania.  

This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the first inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln on the east steps of the US Capitol. The president’s words when dedicating a field in Pennsylvania for fallen soldiers in the Civil War are still applicable today as we remember those Americans who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.
 
“But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

We work every day with dedication to the buildings and grounds in our care to ensure that the sacrifice of those who we lost on September 11, 2001 is forever honored. And we remember all those lives changed forever by the tragedy on that day.

We will never forget. 

Sincerely,

 
Stephen T. Ayers AIA, LEED AP
Architect of the Capitol