Friday marked the nineteenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. To mark this solemn occasion, a statement was released by the niece of  Osama bin Laden, who was the terrorist who planned the attack.

“For the past nineteen years, not a day has gone by since this horrible, tragic day that I haven’t thought of you, America, and grieved privately with you for all the innocent lives lost,” said Noor bin Ladin, who spells her last name differently than her late uncle did.

“This is in part due to this inexplicable turn of fate that links me to these atrocious attacks, but more importantly because of my love for your country,” she added. “As I have written to you in my letter: the values and feelings I hold are diametrically opposed to the name that I bear.”

“I, for one, will never forget,” bin Ladin continued. “The direct victims of this tragedy, and those who lost their lives from complications subsequently. The heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to help those in danger, the first responders, the brave members of FDNY, NYPD, and Port Authority.”

“The survivors and those who rebuilt the ruins and rallied together, showing tremendous courage in the face of horror,” she concluded. “Those left behind who miss their loved ones every day. Today my thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families especially and America, as it always has been and always will.”

Never Forget.

My statement on 9/11: pic.twitter.com/3byPwdqxeV

— Noor Bin Ladin (@NoorBinLadin) September 11, 2020

Bin Ladin is the 33 year-old daughter of Carmen Dufour, a Swiss author, and Yeslam bin Ladin, an older half-brother of Osama. She was 14 years-old when the 9/11 attacks took place.

“I was so devastated,” she told the New York Post of her feelings when the attacks took place. “I had been going to the States with my mom several times a year from the age of 3 onwards. I considered the U.S. my second home.”

Unlike her late uncle, bin Ladin actually loves America and what it represents.

“I have not had a single bad experience with Americans despite the name that I carry,” she said. “On the contrary, I was overwhelmed by their kindness and understanding.”