Thank you, Tom. Thanks to all of you for being here today. It’s an honor for me to be here on behalf of the Secretary, who expressed his regret that he couldn’t be with us today. As you might have heard, he’s got several other gigs; they keep him busy.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau attended the AFSA Memorial Ceremony in Washington and commemorated the 60th annual Foreign Affairs Day. Landau reflected on the significance of the ceremony, held at a dedicated space considered "hallowed ground" for the Department of State. He honored individuals who died in service to the country, connecting deeply with the history of the place and his personal experiences.
Landau shared a personal anecdote, recalling, "I used to come into this building, as I just mentioned a moment ago, starting in the late 1960s when my father was the country director for Spain and Portugal for six years, from 1966 to 1972. And he’d bring me in on Saturdays and I would walk in these doors right here and these flags made a huge impression on me." He expressed that this experience sparked his interest in flags, a passion that continues today.
Landau noted the solemn nature of the ceremony, emphasizing, "we remember these names who are on these walls. They’re not just names; they are human beings who had families, loved ones." He described the impact of learning about ambassadors who were assassinated during his childhood, such as Ambassador Cleo Noel in 1973, and the risks faced by government employees serving abroad.
He acknowledged the recent historical research led by AFSA that uncovered names of individuals who sacrificed their lives dating back to the 19th century. "I gather that AFSA actually hired an archivist who kind of dug deeper into the records and found more people who had given their life for our country," Landau stated. He emphasized the importance of respecting these individuals' sacrifices, acknowledging the new USAID memorial additions alongside State Department and former USIA colleagues.
Landau extended appreciation to local staff, contractors, and family members who contribute significantly but are often overlooked. He affirmed, "anybody who’s worked in an embassy recognizes the importance of the locally employed staff who really do form the backbone or the institutional memory of our missions abroad."
During the ceremony, Landau confirmed the USAID memorial will include new names this year, recognizing three colleagues. "Let me just assure you, Tom, I will make sure with every breath in my body that this plaque gets put in a place of honor and distinction in this State Department building," he asserted.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a wreath in memory of the fallen colleagues, marking their sacrifice and dedication. "By this act, we will honor the sacrifices and names on the wall and remember everyone who dedicated even a part of their lives to this important service to the American people," Landau concluded.
The event ended with remarks from MR. Yazdgerdi expressing gratitude to attendees for participating in honoring the colleagues' memories. He thanked attendees joining both physically and virtually.
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