Badlands Media Special Coverage: 9/11/26 - DHS Dedicates Resilience Plaza on 9/11 Anniversary

0:00The badlands, you want to get the badlands explained those badlands? That's a eleventh name. Remember Robert Davis. Oh, I now invite Captain Jennifer Bowden, chaplain of the United States Coast Guard, to deliver today's invocation. Let us pray. Almighty God, we gather today in humble reverence to mark 25 years since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. We ask for your presence to be among us as we pause to remember.

1:01We lift up in solemn honor the thousands of innocent lives lost, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, colleagues, and friends. We remember the selfless bravery of the first responders, service members, and everyday citizens who ran toward danger so that others might live. Comfort the families who continue to carry the weight of that sacrifice. Lord, it was from the ashes and grief of that fateful day that the Department of Homeland Security was brought forth. As we reflect on our shared origins, deep in our unity and resolve our renew our resolve, grant wisdom to our leaders, vigilance to our frontline workforce, and endurance for all those standing the watch this day. Bless our time together. May our remembrance be worthy of the sacrifices made, and our hearts be guided by your grace, peace, and unfailing strength. We pray in your holy name, Amen.

2:07Thank you, Chaplin Bowden. Please be seated. Thank you, Chaplin Bowden. Thank you, Chaplin Bowden. It is now my privilege to introduce Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Craig Hager. Good morning, everybody. I just want to thank everybody for coming today. We're here to do memory and remembrance of 9-11. We're also here to dedicate the resilience plaza and real, real big deal. And I'm just very grateful to be here. I want to acknowledge Secretary Mullen for being here, under Secretary of Management, Kavanaugh, and Roman, you and your team. Thank you for everything that you guys did, and all the other distinguished guests that are here. Thank you very much. Like you, we were all affected by 9-11 at the time that it happened. So back in that time period, for me, I was a corporate guy traveling million miles all over the world,

3:09and I was going back and forth, staying two to three hundred nights a year in a hotel. So when 9-11 happened, definitely had an effect on me and my livelihood. And, you know, and I just remember getting dropped off the night, 9-10, and flying to London that day, to arrive at 9-11 in London and in on to Ireland. When I got to Ireland, I was with the Chief Financial Officer of Fortune 500. We got off, went into a place, and we had just set up 300 people that we had just set up over there, and everybody was watching the TV, and they were watching the sea kind of what was happening. And again, I'm not in America, I'm in Ireland, and everybody was just shocked. And so this only did it affect us personally, professionally now. All of us are here because of this event, but also it affected our communities, it affected our nation, it affected everything globally too. You know, probably the one thing that was really hard, is that everybody has their version of 9-11.

4:09You know, something for me, I'm going to realize this in Ireland, the whole center surrounded me as an American, and every night for two weeks, because I was stuck there, because the flight shut down, they came and picked me up and took me to dinner, their families, going through just because of the love for America. And they knew at that point, just like we know today, that things were going to change forever. The other thing that I would just personalize this, this is why the resilience plaza and this artifact behind me so much is that some of us lost family and friends, and on the flight, the morning, I lost a really close business partner that was coming to meet me in Ireland on his way, but he came from San Jose de Boston and coming through that way, and he ended up being on the UA flight, that ended up going into the South Tower. And he, you know, the hard part for me is when I got to my hotel room, confused a little bit about what's going on, wasn't really sure.

5:10I had a bunch of cell phone messages, and in those messages, I finally kind of sat down and caught up with my wife and everything that's going on, and in the messages, there was some guy just yelling at me, like Troy pick up, like yelling. And those messages were this guy that was on the plane, was calling me, but I had no idea if he was walking, you know, he wanted to tell his family something because he thought he was going to die. So it, very powerful, you know, when you have that, and it took me a little while to even recognize like who this was, it was calling me. You know, when 9-11 happened, I don't know, I'm sure all of us, we were confused. We couldn't understand what was really going on. And through that confusion, we saw bravery, and we saw leadership. We saw President Bush get up and declare with the bull horn, like we're claiming this back. You know, we saw Congress, which, you know, and I'll do respect it's a previous business guy, didn't really move super fast and like that,

6:11they had that, you know, put together DHS. And, you know, when you think through all of the actions that taken, the key was that showed America takes action. And that's why we're here, because we take action. We are very focused on making sure that we continue that legacy that got established on 9-11. And we are the outgrowth of that. You know, when I look at this plaza and, you know, and it's funny when I came for my second tour, I was here as the CFO, the first tour. And a couple observations is that I remember when I showed up and I was getting ready for my Senate confirmation to be the CFO, I treated it like a business transaction. So I pulled the Homeland Security Act 2002 and I just went through it like what was this place designed where I was not a Homeland Security guy. And, you know, something that's beautiful about everybody that's here is, you know, it's just like our Constitution. It's set a baseline, but we are building on it. We are, this is an organic thing, DHS, you know, with Secretary Mullins leadership, where we're taking the fight directly to counter terrorism,

7:14where we're taking the fight overseas, where we're taking the fight to the drug smugglers, the traffickers, all of this, we're sealing the border, you know, all of these things that weren't necessarily clearly called out in the 2002 act are stuff that just shows that as an organization, as you guys, as leaders and everybody that's here was so much to offer that, you know, every day that we look and we say, hey, what is our purpose? The other thing I would just say is that when you look at this artifact, you know, this is steel that came out of the, the, one of the towers, obviously, that was brought here for remembrance. You know, it's a symbol to make us remember, to make sure that we understand, you know, why we're doing this, but this is also a symbol of what evil can do. So when you wake up in the morning, and you're getting ready to come in here and you're thinking, man, another day at DHS, you know, come out here to the plaza, sit down, relax, and, and reflect, but think about that this symbol, you know, when you look at it, this happened to us. You know, this is definitely something that happened to us,

8:17and the reason why we're here, if we're here to make sure that this does not happen again. So I just, I'm very honored to be here. I'm very honored to serve with all of you. I'm grateful. I hope that everybody I know, everybody experiences this day a little bit different than everybody else, but I just pray for you and your families, and I just want to thank you, and I'd like to introduce you to the next up here, Secretary Mullin. Thank you. Thank you. Applause. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Troy, and thank you for everybody that's here. And I've got to say this is a very humbling experience for me because in one hand, it's a time of reflection when you look at 25 years of a day that all of us will remember. It changed our lives. And then in another way, it's honestly a time that we look at the success of the Department of Homeland Security because for 25 years,

9:20we prevented it from happening again. But yet the day still pisses me off. It's still so frustrating because why? Because they don't like the way we worship. They don't like what America stands for. They don't like the Republic. What is it that they fear from America? Because they didn't fear us. They wouldn't have tried bringing down our towers. And then you think what failure points took place? The Department of Homeland Security, we were stood up because of failures, honestly. From Osama bin Laden, in the warning shots literally, he had for years leading up to that. Do you even the student pilots that went to Norman, Oklahoma to learn

10:20not how to land, but how to fly from our shareholders? There's failures along the way. When I've talked about multiple times since being secretaries, one, I serve with true patriots. 270,000 of us at the Department of Homeland Security wake up every single morning defending our homeland. Every day from the Coast Guard to our custom and border patrol to HSI, to Sissa, to even seeker's service, and all the other 22 components we have, our mission is to make sure it never happens again, meaning that we will always connect the dots. When we talk about a zero-filled mission because no matter how big or how small that lead might be, or that phone call that needs to be returned,

11:21we're going to do it because we don't know what that will go to next. We can't afford to miss one opportunity to prevent it from happening again. From our coordination, from law enforcement, from blue states and red states, to our coordination of our foreign partners, that have literally been on the phone with since 1.30 this morning. Every single day we push back against the horrific acts of terrorist organizations, on the present Trump's leadership, since he's been in office this time. Thanks to the Department of Homeland Security and our partners in federal and local state, please. We've arrested 2,150 terrorists inside the United States. Think about that.

12:23A term we didn't really use a whole lot prior to 9-11, just in a short period of time, underneath Trump's leadership, 2,150 terrorists. Not those that are on terrorist watch list, those that were known terrorists that were led into this country. To live the American dream? No. Just like those that brought down our towers, they wanted to tear down the United States. And the Department of Homeland Security, our job is to say never again. But with the humbling facts that it's in front of us, all of us here in the Department of Homeland Security can say, unfortunately, it's probably not a matter of if it's more a matter of when

13:27something happens again. And it won't be because we didn't do our job. It's because that one little person that wanted to tear down our American dream when I noticed, people say, what's your biggest fear? That's one of them. That's one of them. It's tough to pick all the homeland. It's tough to sometimes fight, and I'm not trying to get political here, but I will sanctuary cities where they don't want us to go into and they're harboring and embedding activities just like this. They can say it's for humanitarian purposes, but the truth is when you become a sanctuary city and you're not supporting law enforcement, you're not allowing law enforcement to do their job, it's a safe haven that equivates terrorist activity. And it doesn't just stay local in Seattle,

14:28or San Francisco, or New York City, or Boston, or even Fairfax, Virginia. It bleeds into other parts of the country too. What happens in one place, the country affects all of us. And so for one thing we should all agree on is we should all be in the same boat, we should all be with Poland on the same war, trying to protect the homeland regardless of your politics. Regardless you think blue or you think red, regardless if you're independent or you're libertarian. We should all want our families to be safe. We should all want our neighbors to be safe. We should all be rooting for our first responders for our law enforcement to succeed every single day. We should be constantly going after those criminals, no matter how big or how small it is. When I was fortunate enough to run our own companies, I would say if we take care of the pennies, the dollars would take care of themselves. We take care of the small criminals,

15:29they'll never become large criminals. And those large criminals will never turn into terrorists. If we can secure a border, we can keep the 21,500 terrorists from coming into our country. It shouldn't be political. And if anything, when we start looking at the 25th anniversary, if there's anything we should agree on, it should be that. Why should Department of Homeland Security be controversial? We're taking care of your backyard. Why did it become political? Because some people want to score political points. And private, do they really believe that? Do they really believe what they go out and say, God, I hope not. Because who are you? As a nation, we're all Americans.

16:29Just like 25 years ago, when they attacked the Pentagon, when they attacked both their towers, when all of our lives changed, everybody's life changed that day. We all came together. That fight isn't done, and it never will be. We understand our adversaries want to destroy us. And the only way they do that is by the vidiness. Political differences aside. That doesn't matter. Department of Homeland, we're here to protect you. Protect your backyard just like we're trying to protect ours. And guys, it is with the greatest honor. To be able to stand in front of you and say that I'm secondary of Homeland, and I get a really 270,000 patriots that are literally willing to do their job for free

17:33because you've proven it every time Congress has shut you down four times in the last year. You guys have still showed up. By the way, for the spouses that still supported your loved one from showing up. Thank you. But do you know the true tests of someone? Are they willing to do their job for free? Everybody here at the Department of Homeland said, I am the mission's the greatest job I have. And I get to be part of that because of President Trump's leadership. When he asked me to be secondary of Homeland, it took me about three seconds to say yes. And then I thought I should probably check in with my wife. She forgave me, but she's a patriot too. She didn't hesitate. She said, absolutely. Then how much more time is this going to take? I had no idea I would never sleep to the night again. When I say that I was on the phone since one thirty this morning,

18:35I got back from the convention, laid down my head on my bed at one o'clock. My phone rang like it does every single night. I've been billing. It was one of our five ice partners. It's just one thirty because of a threat. Just come in. A real threat, obviously. But because of our partnership and our friends. Across the entire world. Truly, we stopped something today. And yes, I know the media is going to ask later what it is. Zero chance I'll tell you. So don't even ask. It doesn't matter. Because of our leadership. We're able to stop it. And that's what we do every day. So may God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

19:39Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Thank you. My pleasure to welcome under Secretary Kavanaugh. Good morning. And welcome to resilience plaza. It is a privilege to serve as the department's under secretary for management. And I'm grateful to President Trump and Secretary Mullen for providing me the opportunity rejoin this dedicated and passionate workforce. For each one of us, DHS is more than a career. It's a calling. Resilience plaza represents a significant enhancement to our campus. But more than that, it's a powerful addition to the identity of St. Elizabeth's. It's distinctly DHS rooted in history, shaped by service, and focused on the mission of protecting the homeland. It defines St. Elizabeth's as the headquarters for homeland security.

20:39It gives the campus a center of gravity worthy of the mission. At DHS, we are united by one purpose, protecting the homeland. For this department, there is no greater call to action than September 11, 2001. That was a day our nation forever changed. It was a day of unimaginable loss, courage, sacrifice, and resolve. It is also the tragedy from which the Department of Homeland Security was born. Since our founding in 2003, our mission has grown and evolved. While DHS was born from tragedy, it is sustained by purpose. It's strengthened by the men and women who choose. Every day, paid or not to answer that call. We are guided by a simple but profound commitment to protect the American people, our homeland, and our way of life.

21:43That is what this plaza represents. Resilience plaza is not a solemn memorial. Rather, the plaza has a different purpose. This is a living space for the DHS workforce. Many of us recall where we were that faithful morning with vivid clarity. However, as we welcome younger generations into our department, the space will serve as a daily reminder of our mission and our duty. And the artifacts around us tell that story with extraordinary power. Behind you lies a twisted piece of steel from the World Trade Center. It serves as a reminder of the destruction inflicted by those who wish to do us harm. Before us, stands the iconic steel trident from the World Trade Center. Once again upright. To me, that is the message of this plaza.

22:43It's not only about what the attack did, it's about what endured. It represents the strength of the American people. Our ability to overcome. Our refusal to be defined by tragedy. And our determination to rise from the ashes. Better stronger and more resilient. Behind us in the back are six pieces of limestone recovered from the Pentagon. They remain unbroken despite the attempt to destroy what they represented. They stand now as a reminder of the resilience of our nation. And the survivor trees that are planted around us. And along with the historic trees from this campus. Connect the past to the future. They represent endurance, renewal, and generations of public servants who will come through this campus and carry out our mission. That is why resilience plaza matters. The resilience plaza is an embodiment of that commitment.

23:46And I'd like to welcome everyone here today to this plaza. Thank you, under Secretary Kavanaugh. I'm inviting back up to the podium, Chaplin Bowden, to offer the resilience plaza dedication prayer. Introduction to the moment of silence and reflection and benediction. Let us pray. Almighty God, author of life, restoration, and hope. We stand before you behind this center building to formally dedicate and commission resilience plaza. Your holy word recalls the prophet Ezekiel standing before a valley of dry bones. I will make breath into you and you will come to life.

24:47Then you will know that I am the Lord. Lord, you have brought breath and life out of tragedy. You transformed our nation's deepest sorrow into an unbroken spirit of service and resilience. We consecrate this plaza and the sacred artifacts placed within it. As we look upon the world trade center trident, remind us of our enduring strength and upright resolve. As we behold the deformed steel beam, keep us ever mindful of the gravity of that fateful day. And the sacred trust placed in our hands. We do the stones of the Pentagon aligned upon their original axis reinforce the unshakeable foundation of our nation. We dedicate this plaza not only as a place of quiet reflection, but as a vibrant center of daily life for the women and men of this department.

25:47The ground is a place to muster to meet, to share fellowship and daily bread and to find renewed energy for the mission. Bless every footstep that crosses these stones, infusing each public servant with courage, clarity of purpose, and an unyielding commitment to protect our communities. May resilience plaza stand through all generations as an enduring testament that darkness cannot prevail and that our nation's fabric remains strong and unbroken. We dedicate this space and solemn gratitude and steadfast devotion to our nation's defense. We pray to you, O Lord, our compass and guide. Amen. Thank you. Thank you, O Lord, for your spirit and your glory, Mr. Deputy Secretary, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. As we mark 25 years since that fateful morning. Let us now pause as one department and one nation.

26:52We bow our heads in solemn remembrance of the nearly 3000 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001. We are now in the middle of Pennsylvania. We honor the heroism of the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, the military service members who answered the call in the years that followed. And every public servant who gave their life in defense of the homeland. Please join me in a moment of silence. Thank you.

28:00Thank you. Thank you.

29:00Thank you. Let us pray. May the almighty God who watched over us in our darkest hours and raised us up in strength. Go before us this day. May he grant us fortitude and times of trial. Unwavering watchfulness amidst the shadows of doubt. May he grant us the last hope that we will be able to make a great decision made in defense of our homeland. May his hand of protection rest upon us wherever our watch may take us. At our borders in our skies on the lakes and high seas throughout cyberspace and within every community faithfully served. May we carry with us the unbroken spirit of those we remember and the enduring promise of renewal. Go forth in unity and continue to serve with honor respect and devotion to duty.

30:05May God bless the Department of Homeland Security and may God continue to bless the United States of America. May your most holy name, Amen. I like to thank the speakers, participants, and everyone who joined us today. As we depart, we may carry forward the memory of those we honor and the responsibility of the mission we serve. This concludes today's program. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much for joining us and don't forget to hit the thumbs up on this video.

31:43Thank you.