Nineteen years ago, today America as we knew it was forever changed. In an act of unprecedented depravity, al-Qaeda terrorists attacked the United States of America, causing great destruction and the violent murder of nearly 3,000 souls.

Today, I, along with the men and women of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), pause to remember the lives lost when this tragedy struck the United States on September 11, 2001. We remember those who lost mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, friends and loved ones. We also pause to honor the many heroes who rushed to their fellow citizens in need, as well as those who prevented even greater carnage. The terrorists did not simply attack the United States, a nation at peace and at work, but the entire free and democratic world.

At USAID, we also take this moment to reflect on our work overseas and our role in seeking to prevent similar acts of barbarity. We strive every day to remove the toeholds that allow violent extremism to take root.

One of our key missions at USAID is ensuring the protection of freedom around the world. By promoting economic development, strengthening democratic governance, and supporting communities on their Journey to Self-Reliance, we can remove conditions that give rise to terrorism and decrease vulnerability to hostile nation-state actors.

We work tirelessly to assist all who wish to live in freedom and prosperity, and to honor those who lost their lives. May their memories never fade.