WASHINGTON, September 11, 2009 (WAFA)-As U.S. President Barack Obama  proclaimed September 11, 2009, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)  joins fellow Americans and millions of people worldwide in marking the eighth anniversary of September 11, 2001.

ADC National Executive Director Kareem Shora, whom earlier this year was appointed by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano as a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), said, 'We will never forget the tragedy which unfolded before our eyes on that Tuesday morning eight years ago.  Today we join the world in honoring all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  ADC also reiterates its opposition to and condemnation of those who would attack our country or any innocent civilians.'

 Shora added, 'ADC pledges to continue to be actively involved in protecting and strengthening our country and all the values for which it stands.  For the past eight years our nation has been in a struggle for the definition of what it means to be the United States of America in an admittedly dangerous and sometimes hostile world.  Our worst enemies are those few individuals, on all sides, who act based on their emotions and in response to perceived injustice or pending national tragedy.'

President Obama  called upon all Americans to join in service and honor the lives we lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect our country at home and abroad. In April, I was proud to sign the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Originated by the family members of those who lost loved ones on 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance is an opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation following the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.