On Friday, he was back to deliver brief, but emotional, remarks about the men and women who have died while representing their country. In a ceremony marking Foreign Service Day, colleagues in Foggy Bottom and at every embassy around the world paused for a moment of silence to remember them.

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It was one of those moments when people who are often derided as bureaucrats, and worse, by Americans who do not know them are remembered for their dedication and nobility.

Katie Nutt, a special assistant on Tillerson's staff, was singing on Broadway when the 9/11 attacks happened, spurring her to join the Foreign Service and serve her country. She sang the national anthem for several dozen senior State Department officials who gathered for the ceremony.

Barbara Stephenson, president of the American Foreign Service Association, noted that Tillerson begins meetings by asking if the State Department's 75,000 employees, two-thirds of whom work overseas, were all safe that day. Tillerson said he considers their safety his top priority.

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The 248 diplomats who died while serving, Tillerson said, never had a chance to live their dreams and see their plans materialize.

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"From the beginning of our young republic, Americans have gone abroad to represent our country, advancing our interests and values, and raising our flag," he said.

This was the first year since 2004 that a new name was not added to the plaque, a fact that Tillerson said gave him solace.

"But I know our men and women always put mission first," he said. "I know they are judicious and they take the necessary precautions. There are inherent risks in all we do to advance America's interests and values, and to keep our nation safe.