Carrying on the Work of Our Fallen Heroes

President Obama speaks about the tragic loss of four of our fellow Americans who were serving in our diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya. These Americans represented the best of our country; without people like them, we could not sustain our freedoms or security, or provide the leadership that the entire world depends on.

During this time of turmoil in many different countries, the President makes it clear that the United States has a profound respect for people of all faiths, but as Commander in Chief, he will never tolerate efforts to harm our fellow Americans and will ensure that those who attack our people find no escape from justice. Now, we must carry on the work of our fallen heroes by making our country stronger, our citizens safer, and the world a better and more hopeful place.

Watch President Obama's weekly address.

President Barack Obama tapes the weekly Address in the East Room of the White House, Sept. 14, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

Weekly Wrap Up

Fallen Diplomats in Benghazi, Libya: On Tuesday, four Americans lost their lives after an attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya. Today, President Obama, Vice President Biden and Secretary Clinton went to Andrews Air Force Base for the Transfer of Remains Ceremony, which marked the return to the United States of the four brave Americans who were killed in the attack.

At the solemn ceremony that honored the fallen diplomats—Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, Sean Smith and Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens—President Obama paid tribute to four patriots who served their country and share a “fundamental American belief that we can leave this world a little better than before.”

Earlier this week, President Obama, with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton standing alongside, condemned the attack, which he called "outrageous and shocking" in a statement from the Rose Garden.

"We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats," he said. "I've also directed my Administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people."

Afterward, President Obama and Secretary Clinton visited the State Department, where the President reiterated again his solidarity with America's diplomats stationed around the world.

For more information:

• Read the President’s full remarks from the Transfer of the Remains Ceremony.

• Read more about President Obama’s statement on the attack in Benghazi, Libya.

• Read President Obama’s remarks on the deaths of U.S. Embassy staff in Libya.

• Watch the video of President Obama discussing the attacks on Benghazi, Libya.

September 11 Remembrance: On Tuesday, President Obama and the First Lady marked the eleventh anniversary of the September 11 attacks. They began the day at the White House, observing a moment of silence on the South Lawn just after 8:45 a.m., around the time the first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center. Afterward, they traveled to the Pentagon, where the President spoke at a memorial service in honor of those who died there, as well as in New York and Pennsylvania.

Vice President Biden marked the anniversary by traveling to Shanksville, PA, where he delivered remarks at the Flight 93 National Memorial Commemorative Service to honor the passengers and crew who died there 11 years ago. The Vice President told the families who lost loved ones that day that the heroism of their husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers would never be forgotten.

Team USA Visits the White House: Today, the President and First Lady welcomed the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams to the White House to honor their participation and success in this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. President Obama told the athletes that they “could not have been better ambassadors and better representatives for the United States and what we stand for.”

For more information:

• Read more about Team USA's visit to the White House. 

• Check out the photo gallery of the First Lady at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

• Read more about the First Lady’s experience at the Olympic Games.

Rosh Hashanah: At sundown this Sunday, the Jewish community will celebrate the start of the new year. Watch President Obama’s Rosh Hashanah message.

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