Prime Minister Mike Eman attended the annual September 11 commemoration ceremony held at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Queen Beatrix International Airport.
The ceremony is an annual moment of reflection on the attacks of September 11, 2001, to honor the memory of the victims and recognize the men and women who put their own lives at risk to save others.
During the ceremony, PM Eman shared that this date holds a deep personal meaning for him. His wife is from the United States, and the memory of the events of September 11, 2001, remains vivid in his mind.
The Prime Minister recalled watching on television after one of the towers had already been hit, and as they were following the news, witnessing the moment the second plane struck the other tower.
“The impact, the sadness, and the pain that accompany that day are something you never forget,” PM Eman expressed.
Eman explained that during his terms as Prime Minister, he made sure to be present at this commemoration. For Aruba, the U.S. presence at the airport represents a special connection with the United States, and on a date like September 11, that connection carries even greater significance.
“By being here, we stand with America and we stand with humanity,” stated PM Eman.
A moment that also impacted Aruba PM Eman recalled that the consequences of 9/11 were not limited to the immense human tragedy. The events caused a global impact on aviation and, consequently, serious concern for Aruba’s economy—an island heavily reliant on air connectivity and tourism.
According to the Prime Minister, leadership during that difficult period was crucial to preventing Aruba’s connectivity with the U.S. market from coming to a complete halt. He recalled the efforts made at the time by his late older brother Henny Eman, then Prime Minister of Aruba, to keep flights to Aruba active, which later contributed to the recovery of the tourism sector.
For PM Eman, this experience demonstrates that in times of crisis, solidarity, cooperation, and leadership can make a vital difference.
Honoring those who lost their lives and those who served The focal point of the ceremony remained the memory of the victims and recognition for all who acted with courage during the tragedy.
PM Eman made special reference to the first responders who, while others were trying to evacuate the towers, ran up the stairs to help and save lives.
The commemoration concluded with a message of solidarity with the families who lost loved ones, those who served during and after the attacks, and the American people.
Even 25 years later, Aruba continues to remember the victims of 9/11 and honor the courage and sacrifice of all those who responded in one of the most painful moments in American history.
