Azerbaijan Society of America Commemorates September 11

September 11, 2001, marks one of the darkest days in American and world history. On that tragic day, the United States suffered a horrific act of terrorism that claimed thousands of innocent lives and shook the conscience of the global community. The sorrow and shock were not confined to U.S. borders the entire world mourned with America.

In the aftermath of the attacks, the international community stood in solidarity with the United States in the fight against global terrorism. Among the countries that responded with unwavering support was the Republic of Azerbaijan. Demonstrating its firm commitment to international security and peace, Azerbaijan promptly opened its airspace to U.S. military operations and deployed troops alongside American forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This deep commitment was further underscored by the ultimate sacrifice of Azerbaijani-American U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Mourad Ragimov of San Diego, California, who lost his life when the CH-53E helicopter he was in crashed near Ar Rutbah, Iraq. He gave his life in service to the country he loved. His courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we remain eternally grateful to all our fallen heroes.

The Azerbaijan Society of America joins all Americans in solemn remembrance of the lives lost on September 11 and in the conflicts that followed. This tragic memory is forever etched in our hearts. We stand united in condemning all forms of terrorism and remain committed to the hope that such a heinous act will never be repeated.

May we continue to honor the victims by promoting peace, understanding, and unity.