Washington, D.C. - During a ceremony at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to commemorate the third anniversary of the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001, OPM Director Kay Coles James thanked the attendees for their dedication to the nation and reminded them of the sacrifices others have made.

"We gather here today to pause and commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001 which forever changed our world," said James. "We also pay tribute to the federal employees who gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our Nation on September 11th. Their service proved once again the commitment and dedication of the federal workforce to the safety and well being of our country. They will not be forgotten."

Following the presentation of colors, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, OPM employees gave special thanks to four honored guests who were directly touched by "9/11." The guests included Ensign Desmond B. Penrose, a survivor of the attack on the Pentagon; Rosemary Dillard, widow of Eddie Dillard, a passenger aboard American Airlines flight #77 which flew into the Pentagon; Command Master Chief Beth L. Lambert, a crew member of the USS Theodore Roosevelt deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and John "Turk" Green, Captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

At the end of the ceremony, James unveiled a cast bronze plaque with images depicting the Pentagon, the former World Trade Center and the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The inscription on the plaque reads, "Among the thousands of innocent people who perished in the terrorist attacks on the morning of September 11, 2001, were members of the United States Civil Service. These patriotic citizens, our brothers and sisters in the cause of freedom, gave their lives while in dedicated service to our Nation. They will not be forgotten. Let their sacrifice be an inspiration to all Americans and may future generations honor their bravery and service by accepting their responsibility to defend and advance liberty and democracy through the United States Civil Service. With everlasting honor, gratitude and respect, we install this commemorative plaque on September 10, 2004."