Remarks by Mr. Peter Iliichev, First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, at the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tear Drop 9-11 Memorial
We gather here today, on Orthodox Christmas Day, in memory of the victims of the devastating crash of Tupolev 154 aircraft. Today we honor the members of the world famous Academic Ensemble of Song and Dance of the Russian Army, the Russian humanitarian worker and charity activist Doctor Liza Glinka, the TV crews from the First Channel, NTV, Zvezda and of course the plane crew.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the passengers of Tu-154, these 92 outstanding men and women of God-given talents – singers and dancers, doctors, journalists, pilots and stewards. Their lives served a greater purpose. They used to cheer up their audiences but today we stand silent to pay tribute to their lost lives.
For every nation Christmas is a time to show love, support and praise, time to treat one another as a family, to gather together. Today we came to mourn at the Tear of Grief together. We remember the great loss of American people – September 11, 2001.
On behalf of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations I would like to thank you all who are present and who organized this event for your heartwarming solidarity. It always helps to know that you’re not alone in your grief and there are people with open hearts and compassion. The world is testing us now. But that is what unites us, makes us far stronger.
Music is a language of soul. Art and culture are meant to bring peace to the world. So where words fail, music speaks. Thank you Schiller Institute Chorus. Thank you all.
