Today we mark one the most notorious, traumatic days in Pakistan’s history. I know it is much more than a national memory for many of you here today. I know many of you here, such as Muhammad Waseem, were touched personally by this senseless, barbaric violence. A violence that has touched so many around the world, as we have witnessed recently in Paris, and near my home in California. But there is nothing more disturbing, more obscene, than senseless violence against innocent children.
In his message today, Secretary of State John Kerry speaks of the moment he learned of the murders, how saddened and horrified he was at the wrenching images of the attack. And he emphasized how the United States will stand with the people of Pakistan against violent extremism.
We all send our thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims. Now please join me in a moment of silence to remember the victims of last year’s attack.
