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Our Sister Site:
This is True®
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Terrorist Attacks on America
Reader Comments
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"We must evolve for all human conflict a method that rejects
revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method
is love."
--Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Quote submitted by reader Rochelle, Massachusetts)
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We received many comments from around the world in response to the
events of September 11, 2001, and the Special
Issues we published. What follows is just a sample of the comments we've
received, either via our Comments address or (after
getting the author's permission) via the HeroTalk
discussion group.
They were sorted and formatted for these pages by a good HeroicStories
friend, Leo -- a reader in Washington state. Leo told his friends about the
letters, saying "If you doubt that we are resilient, if you doubt that we have
support from around the world, or if you doubt that real people everywhere
don't share the pain of this week's events, take a few minutes and read their
comments. Note, particularly, the large number of comments that came in from
outside the U.S. Most of you who know me know that I don't forward much of
anything other than the occasional bit of humor, and that I enjoy debunking
and educating people on urban legends, virus hoaxes and chain email. This is
different. I encourage you to spread this one around." Indeed, please
do "spread this one around". Send the URL of this page, or the Special
Issues. Jokes are fun; a renewed faith in humanity for those shaken by the
events of 11 September is essential.
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In addition to the comments here, if you doubt at all that the
world shares our pain, visit the following site -- a collection of
pictures of people around the world honoring our loss. It's
incredible. http://www.dd.org/world-mourns/
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- I am a teacher in New Jersey and I started to cry when I read
the comments you printed from people in other countries. North Jersey
has been in turmoil for days helping out with the tragic loss in NYC.
This has and will disrupt our daily lives for many months. More
people travel into Manhattan every day to work than live in the
entire state of Montana -- over 400,000. Almost half of these people
are from New Jersey and we are really suffering as we wait for a list
of people that can't be found. They are our neighbors, our friends,
our children and parents. You don't know what it means to hear these
kind words from people from other countries after seeing adults and
children shooting guns into the air, giving the sign for victory and
celebrating after this tragedy. Thank you so much for making us feel
better. --Linda, New Jersey
- I just had to write to thank the readers from other countries who
wrote in support of Americans. After watching the horror unfold
yesterday, we then had to see Palestians dancing in the streets in
joy celebrating the horrific murder of thousands of our innocent
fellow American citizens. Hearing sympathic support from other
countries helps heal that wound. And my thanks to you for both your
efforts in putting out an inspiring newsletter and in your
volunteerism with the Red Cross. --Sally, Minnesota
- I've just finished reading the wonderful, supportive letters
from around the world. It helps ever so much to realize we are not
alone. --Linda, Colorado
- I am blessed as an American tonight. After reading the
comments submitted by readers from around the globe, expressing their
sympathy and support, I feel things are brighter in the world. Our
own media is too busy and focused at this time to tell us what the
worldwide reaction is to our tragedy (at least, I haven't seen any
reports like that). It lifts my spirits to hear from other HS
subscribers. --Kelley, Delaware
- I sit and read HS with my girlfriend every chance I get
because it is heartwarming and comforting to know that there are good
people left in the world. After reading the comments made from other
readers in various countries around the world we were moved to tears.
I amazed how much support and love is out there in the world. My
personal grief is lessened by the outpouring of support given by your
readers. While my friends and family are safe at home, my girlfriend
still has a cousin who is unnaccounted for among the WTC employees.
My eternal gratitude and love goes out to those who give their
support, love, prayers and admiration to America for the way we are
dealing with this tragedy. I am also grateful that HS is putting out
these postings and comments made by so many concerned readers because
it is heart lifting to know that in the face of repugnance, ignorance
and cruelty that there is so much humanity, decency, compassion and
love in the world. --Todd and Sharyn, Maryland
- I have been personally touched by the recent events in
America. I lost an uncle and a great aunt at the Pentagon. I still
have several friends that are unaccounted for... my heart sinks with
saddness. I am sadden by the fact America has been hurt. But I
honestly must say that receiving the email from HeroicStories has
really helped. Hearing the great support from all over the world
brings tears to my eyes, tears mixed with pride, sadness and joy. I
would like to thank so very much everyone from
everywhere for the kind words and respect that they send to us
in America. I would like to thank my fellow Americans for joining
together in such a time of sorrow. --Lesa, Maine
More of the comments we've received from our readers around the
world:
- Thank you for your message of hope today. Words can not
express the sorrow I feel for those who were murdered today and their
families. --Patricia, Canada
- The Merchants Of Chaos are running rampant, and you just
remind us that they are a great minority; that most of us are
decent people. Thank you! --Lisa, United Kingdom
- Today ... was unbelievable. You will survive as a nation but
the thoughts of the world are with those who died and the survivors.
I am sure that people all over the world will be praying for the
survivors and the families of those who died. As an atheist I won't
be praying but am thinking of you all and you have my sympathy.
--Neil, United Kingdom
- We're a little remote here in Perth, Western Australia, but be
assured we feel the horror of these senseless acts as much as you do.
--Chris, Australia
- I know no one in the USA other than my email friends. My
workplace is hushed this morning, people are murmuring in shocked
groups and few can concentrate on work. Please know that our hearts
and prayers are with all Americans in this grim time. Thank you for
your note to HeroicStories subscribers. You are right -- the world
must be strong in the face of this unspeakable evil. I will try to
help by giving to our own Red Cross, who I know will be supporting
their US counterparts. Know that your friends are with you, in spirit
though we can't be there in person. --Anne, Australia
- I would like to use you to relay my condolences to the
American people (You are the only American site I subscribe to). You
are the country I would like South Africa to aspire to be. Although
you have suffered one of the most tragic days in World history I must
tell you this: I am very impressed by the way you all have handled
this. I wish I could be there to help but all I can do is to try and
convince people here that irrespective of nationality no one deserves
what you've got. God bless America --Lourens, South Africa
- This is a small note to all Americans; I was watching CNN as
the second plane crashed into the twin towers yesterday. I was so
stunned that I actually didn't realise what I had just witnessed, and
was horrified as the rest of this miserable tragedy unfolded. I just
want to say that my prayers are with you all; I also pray that
justice is swift. Condolences to all that have lost someone special.
--Gary, South Africa
- My heart goes out to those millions of people who today have
been personally affected by yesterday's attacks. I have many friends
in New York and Washington; like most people here, when I wasn't
glued to the television, I was on the phone, fruitlessly trying to
get through to check they were okay (one at least worked at the
Pentagon; yesterday was the day she started jury duty.) You have our
prayers and our very best wishes. I wish I could say more.
--Jo, United Kingdom
- Firstly I would like to send my heartfelt commiserations to
the American Nation. You are not alone in this. I am sure I speak for
a lot more than just my fellow countrymen when I say our prayers and
thoughts are with you. May your pain and suffering pass onto me so
you may expedite your healing process. Secondly, pray that you feel
no hatred towards those who have committed this heinous crime against
humanity, for this spectacle affects more than just America.
--Nick, Zimbabwe
- Like your other readers or "commentators", I also want to
express my deepest sympathy to those whose loved ones perished in
yesterday's unbelievable disaster. Yes, these terrorists are Cowards
and worse still, they are Liars. Why not at least admit it? I have
heard of the Islamic hatred against the Americans for years. Why
would they hate a democratic nation? I think envy and jealousy are
involved. --Eva, Scotland
- I am working for an American pharmaceutical company in
Singapore. Yesterday was the official opening of our plant but
atmosphere was sombre. Our CEO who flew in from US last Tuesday,
called for a moment of silence in place of a supposed celebration.
Our hearts goes out to you. Our American counterparts in New Jersey
extended all possible help and medication for the disaster victims.
We really hope to help in other ways. Our local TV channels have been
replaced with news and updates of the situation back in NYC. We have
forums about the motives of the attacks. We feel for you... deeply.
We hope Americans stands united and will not fall for speculations of
media from unreliable sources. Do not be biased against those who are
Muslims or Arabs. The same religion does not confer the same
thoughts. --Lisa, Singapore
- America, I stand with you and we pray with you in this time of
need. Know that you have friends at this end of the world who are
praying for you and who are standing with you to fight this. We
support you all and we cry with you and we feel your pain. We will
stand together with you and fight this with you and we shall unite
with you to make this bond stronger and able to fight against all
evils. Although I do not know any of you, my heart goes out to you
all and to the victims, families, friends, all the care workers and
givers, policemen, firefighters, EMS and all who are involved. My
thoughts and prayers are with you all and know that you are not alone
in this. There is light at the end of the tunnel and every day is one
step closer to overcoming all of this and we can do it together and
with God. I pray for all of America and it's people. May God bless
you all and be with you all. If I could just reach out my hand and
touch each one of you I would but because I am so far away, please
accept my prayers as my extended hand. God bless America and God be
with you all. --Dawn, South Africa
- Hang on. In a sense we all over the world have been attacked
too. From here at this moment we can only help you with our hearts,
but they are out towards your people. --Wilson, Brazil
- So sorry for such a tragic thing to happen. United State,
please be strong, you have the world to support you. Americans, you
are the strongest people in the world -- emotionally, spiritually and
physically. Please accept my condolences. Whoever has done this will
come to a bitter end and a terrible death as what we, Singaporeans
believe. I am wondering if I can donate my blood in Red Cross
Singapore to help in this matter? --Lina, Singapore
Donating blood helps everywhere.
- Thank you for HeroicStories, and for all the reminders of
good that exist still in the hearts of human beings. We in Northern
Ireland have been horrified and humbled by the terrible attacks this
week, and we stand with you in the rubble of broken lives and
families. We weep with you and are praying with you through this
terrible time. --Cheryl, Ireland
- It was Tuesday evening here in Malaysia. I was at a church
friend's place for dinner, and we had just finished a game when my
dad called, saying "Turn on CNN!" The eight of us watched horrified
as the the 2nd tower collapsed, live, on the CNN broadcast. What
started out as dinner and games ended as a prayer meeting. I'm sure
similar scenes were repeated all over the world. We're praying for
you, America. --Ian, Malaysia
- Several of my friends and myself were shattered by the recent
events in New York. We could not understand why something that had
happened so far away could have such a profound effect on us. We have
shed gallons of tears and feel a genuine fear knowing that something
so terrible could happen in a civilised world. I think that this
vicious act will have a long lasting effect on people in every
country. A young man called up the morning radio crew on the station
that I listen to -- he broke down in tears for the same reason:
[wanting to know] Why has this affected me so deeply? He asked that
all the people driving to work that morning turn on their headlights
as a mark of respect for the dead and injured and to those risking
their own lives trying to save others. The station was inundated with
calls from drivers saying that headlights were being turned on all
over Sydney and other callers rang in to let this guy know that he
was not alone in feeling this way and that he had done a great thing
with his request. Keep up the great work with HeroicStories.
--Susan, Australia
- Reader Marla, Ohio sends an item she found on the web:
"We are in Zababdeh, safe and sound. We have been watching the
television with disbelief and horror for the past several hours.
During that time, many of our friends and neighbors here have
expressed their concern and grief for the enormous tragedies today in
the United States. Like us, they are stunned by the unfathomable
loss, and we all wait in trepidation for the final tallies and for
the outpouring of anger that will surely follow. We -- and they --
are also deeply saddened by the reports of Palestinians celebrating
-- not only because of the ugliness and wrongness of that response,
but also because it runs so counter to the character of the people
here whom we have come to know and love. Despite our many differences
(cultural, linguistic, religious, political...), we are held together
by a common humanity that today shares a broken heart. Please know
that the thoughts and prayers of many Palestinians are with those
touched by the horror of today. As are ours. --Elizabeth and
Marthame, Palestine"
(from http://come.to/zababdeh)
One of the common concerns many shared with us is that of the
possibility of mindless retribution against Muslim or Arab people.
- As an Arab-American, I fear the backlash against Arabs and
Muslims in the U.S. and around the world. Even though no one yet
knows who is responsible for the attacks, the media is already
pointing to Muslims. This is similar to the aftermath after the
Oklahoma City bombing, when Arabs and Muslims came under physical and
verbal attack, and many mosques in the U.S. were burned. I would have
hoped that the media, government and American populace would've
learned from that experience to not judge without evidence.
Unfortunately, that lesson didn't seem to take hold. If you have the
chance, I would appreciate it if you reminded your readers that we
witnessed a terrible, unspeakable tragedy today and that we do not
need to further that tragedy by categorically villifying all Arabs
and Muslims. --Nabeel, California
- Today I took the flag given to me after my father's death and
hung it from my balcony. I live in a complex that is mostly
Hindi/Muslum people. Given my contact with them in the 12 years I've
lived in my diverse environment, I have no doubt of their sympathy
and empathy. --Casey, California
- Thank you so much Randy for pointing out in your Special
Edition that we must "Relax when you see an Arab; even if Arab
terrorists did this, most Arabs will be ashamed of their brothers for
what happened. Hate is not the answer to the problems of the world,
and it won't be the answer to this event." Already, Arab Americans
are receiving threatening phone calls, and being the recipients of
other such harassment. I must take issue with the media for helping
this along. When they first showed scenes of jubilation on the Bank,
the television journalist was careful to point out that this was
happening in one street corner, but since then, we have been led to
believe that such scenes are common all over the Middle East. Let us
hold on to our sanity in the face of an insane act! --Violeta,
Australia
- I want to thank you for writing such a wonderful newsletter. I
am deeply affected by the events this week as are so many others.
However, I am concerned and upset about certain things that I have
witnessed since then. Gordon in Oklahoma touched upon one when he
stated, "Religion is perverted to teach hatred." Just this afternoon,
I saw scenes on TV of a Muslim Mosque with broken windows and
frightened people. Are we reacting to the WTC in reasonable ways? Or,
are we, at heart, just as responsible for the atrocities that happen
around the world on a daily basis? --Lorraine, Oregon
- I've been watching, along with the world, all the coverage of
these horrifying events. I've been talking/emailing with my family
and friends, and we've all been sad, angry, confused, and frightened.
I've been comforted by words from people around the world, and by the
great outpouring of volunteerism in our country. But my greatest fear
has been that reprisals will be made against the many innocent
Muslims who live not only in the Washington DC area, but around our
country and the world, and what that will lead to. Watching the local
Washington DC news last night (Sept. 12), I was disturbed to see that
an Islamic center out in Herndon, VA (by Dulles Airport) had been
vandalized -- hate statements spray-painted all over the hallways --
and an Islamic shop in Arlington, VA had bricks with hate messages
wrapped around them thrown through the windows. Then they showed the
inter-faith candlelight prayer vigil at George Washington University
last night. It was an inter-faith service jointly organized by the
students who lead the campus Islam, Christian, and Jewish communities
and attended by so many people they spilled out into the streets. The
President of the university said, with tears in his eyes, "It was the
most beautiful thing I've seen in the 14 years I've been President of
this university. I hope it sets an example for the rest of the
country." Amen, brother. --Deborah, Maryland
- I had been reading of the threats on Arab and Muslim Americans
on the news and was feeling very upset when I came to the HeroTalk
website and read how all of you were reacting and it made me feel
better. I also recalled how many of my American friends had written
to say they were praying for the safety of Muslims in their
communities, and looking for ways to help protect the Muslims from
vigilantes. And I came to realize that these American terrorists are
also a small minority. Yes, I call those who attack Muslims in
retaliation for this terrorists, for that is what they are -- just
like the Muslim terrorists who kill Christians just because they are
Christians, these American terrorists attack Muslims just because
they are Muslims. It is the same thing, morally. And I am glad that
99% of Americans are not like that. You 99% just have to protect the
Muslims from that 1%. --Ian, Malaysia
- I was living in Dhahran in June 1996, and remember feeling the
blast that destroyed the Khobar Towers. The next day at work, the
mood was somber and grim. I recall several of my Saudi coworkers
expressing their condolences to me, and their dismay that "guests" in
their country would be treated in such a despicable manner. This past
week, I was attending a convention in San Antonio. Needless to say,
everyone was shocked and horrified by the tragic events of September
11. With the airports closed, many of us were also stranded. Several
of the larger companies at the convention chartered buses to take
people back home -- not just their employees, but anyone who needed a
way to return home -- free of charge. I was on one of those buses,
and returned home last night 22 hours after we left San Antonio. This
morning, the first person I saw in the office was a Tunisian who is
here working on a project with our company. He too, as my Saudi
friends had done 5 years before, expressed his condolences and
dismay. As you have demonstrated from the emails from all over the
world, goodness exists in all nations, all races, and all religions.
We can take some solace that even tragedies of such magnitude cannot
extinguish the good in the world. --Gary, Colorado
- I teach a class in the psychology of religion, and have
written an essay about religious aspects of the terroristic act. In
it, I describe both the role of religion in motivating the act, as
well as the way that people find comfort in religion as they deal
with the aftermath. My hope is that it provokes people to think about
things more carefully, and that it facilitates our dialogue on
important issues. You may find it interesting. Its URL is:
http://www.psywww.com/psyrelig/fundamental.html. --Mike,
Georgia
More comments from those affected around the United States:
- As I was driving into work today, I saw a man running at a
fairly quick pace up a main street. He was in his late 20s or early
30s, tall, athletically built, with short hair and wearing a muscle
t-shirt and olive running shorts. He was carrying a large American
flag (the size you would see used by a color-guard at a military
facility). I found it eerie, but also compelling and even reassuring.
It was if the man was saying, 'We are Americans, and terrorism will
not defeat us.' I flicked my high-beam headlights at him to
acknowledge that I had seen and understood what he was doing. He
nodded slightly and kept running at the same quick pace, with the
flag fluttering in the wind proudly behind him. Perhaps the best
thing we can do is not cower in our homes. --Tom & Mary,
Maryland
- As a New Yorker I'd like to thank you for the thoughts and
feelings you've directed towards NYC. I used to work at the WTC and
many people I know still did as this morning. Out of about 40 people,
I've been able to verify that 5 still with us. I suspect that the
remainder are no longer numbered among the living -- their offices
were above the collision sites. The wounds of today will be a long
time healing, but your very appropriate re-issue will help.
HeroicStories have entertained and spiritually uplifted me on
numerous occaisons. Today was no exception. --Mike, New York
- thank you for taking the time to speak about the truly
important things concerning today's events. I am here, in Brooklyn,
the eastern part, as far from the trade center as you can get. the
smoke from the terrorist action today split an otherwise pure blue
sky. Its yellow color and acrid smell reminding you of the enormity
of the tragedy, while ash rained down. New Yorkers are a tough breed.
We will be ok. But it is so comforting to know that others think of
us in our time of need. --Charles, New York
- I was beginning to wonder if something was wrong with me
because I don't feel an intense desire to strike back. My mother is a
flight attendant who was on stand-by in NYC when the crashes
happened. We didn't know where she was and it terrified us. So I
do understand, down to my heart of hearts, what people are
going through and why they want to react. What I don't understand is
why everyone wants to see blood spilled in return? I am a
"red-blooded" American who was raised in an Air Force family, growing
up on various Air Force Bases. This means that I'm extremely
patriotic, but I do not want to bomb places where other
civilians will die. I don't expect us to close our eyes, but I do
expect us to act reasonably (yes, I know they didn't). Not to re-act,
but to ACT. --Julie, location not given.
- I work at the airport in Tulsa, OK. Today, I was sitting in a
meeting when representatives of a local Girl Scout group began
bringing in hundreds of sack lunches for the stranded travelers that
were expected to descend on the airport for the resumption of travel
that didn't happen today. What a magnificent gesture by these young
girls. --Jim, Oklahoma
- My list of heroes now includes those passengers aboard the
flight that crashed in Pennsylvania. Knowing the right thing to do at
such a critical moment and being able to do it are beyond admirable.
By all appearances, they probably saved many many more lives by their
attempt to regain control of their plane. My heart goes out to them
and their families, and it reminds me that courage comes forth in
many different ways. --Nannette, Georgia
- I was raised in the South (Texas, to be exact) where many
locals have their own preconceived notions about yankees and New
Yorkers in particular. I was raised to believe that New Yorkers were
loud, crass, rude and generally mean-spirited people. After moving to
Delaware, just south of Philadelphia, I decided to visit New York
City for the first time. I went there with my wife, preparing to be
mugged and to fear everyone I met. Imagine my surprise when
practically everyone I met was warm, friendly, and quick to help out
lost tourists. My opinion of New York City was transformed to be the
opposite of my prejudices. I've now been back to visit on multiple
occasions and have enjoyed it every time. The last trip there, my
wife and I visited the top of the World Trade Center and marvelled at
the view, even taking some video footage of the event. They are
memories we will always treasure. It saddens my heart greatly to
think that some of those warm and friendly people on the staff that
worked there and we met during our visit are no longer with us.
--Robert, Delaware
- I would like to remind folks of another aspect to the rescue
efforts in NYC. There are many pets trapped in homes and apartments
in the area surrounding the WTC. The ASPCA has set up a base camp to
help rescue and treat those animals that can be recovered. They are
accepting donations. You can mail your donation by sending a check
to "The ASPCA Animal Disaster Relief Fund", 424 East 92nd Street, NY
NY 10128. or call (212) 876-7700 ext. 4515 or 4516. Anyone wishing
to can also make a secure donation online at their website at
http://www.aspca.org/.
--MJ, Georgia
- "Retaliation Tactics For Average Americans" Ever since the
events that transpired on Tuesday, September 11, average folks across
this great nation have overwhelmingly responded to the terrible
tragedies by aiding in whatever way they could. This shows that for
all of our differences we can come together, uniting as one. As of
late, I've also been hearing that many other people across the USA
are feeling helpless and frustrated, not knowing how they can help.
To them I say, live your lives as normally as possible. Go to work,
religious services, shopping, sporting events, travel and yes, fly.
By doing these routine things, we will be contributing to the economy
and further strengthening our nation. We'll also be standing up to
the cowards who hide behind terroristic acts, showing them that
America's spirit and resolve will never be broken. We can also do
simple things of great importance. We can comfort a stranger, hold a
child's hand, share our feelings, say a prayer. Remind the people you
encounter that we are all a part of this great nation, no matter our
race, creed or national origin. As Americans we should not allow
ourselves to be divided or scared into any type of submission.
Together, as one, we will heal and overcome this attack on the
American way of life. --Ben, New Jersey
Several readers commented on both the Red Cross, and the suggestion
that we all donate blood, money or time:
- If you could please get the word out that platelets are also
needed, as well as whole blood, it may help. I would also like to
remind people that blood and platelets are always needed, not
just when there is an emergency. If my letter can just get one or two
people to donate platelets on a regular basis then this will not be a
wasted effort. --David, Georgia
- I'm glad that you are pressing for people to donate blood when
they can...not now, but in a few days or weeks. I started donating
blood about a year ago when a thread on your site began to talk about
it. I donated a few weeks ago and then will do it again in a few
weeks when my waiting period is up. You have no idea of the
ramifications (positive!) your site has done. Thanks again for a
little bit of comfort on this scary day. --Julie, Iowa
- I loved your message about giving blood. I'm O-, and I was
taught by my O- Grandpa that "if you want to help the world give them
a piece of yourself." Your message is as true as his was and if I
may, I'd like to expound upon it. If you've already given blood or
can't give blood, you can still help -- volunteer to drive a blood
mobile or help to keep records of those that donate. Maybe you can
volunteer your time and help with the organizational skills needed to
set up blood mobiles in different and easily accessible sites. You
don't have to have "good clean blood" to make a difference. Please
let your readers know that anyone and everyone can help. Sometimes it
only takes some creativity and some time. It's not just about the
blood, it's about how it gets to the people that need it.
--Kelsey, Virginia
- I am one of those Red Cross volunteers who is sent to major US
disasters to assist. In particular I am a computer operations person
and am about to prepare to go to NYC for the ARC disaster relief
operation. Many, many thanks for your wonderful comments about our
work. Working these disasters are labors of love for all of us; your
acknowledgement of that love and labor is something we will we can
carry with us wherever we go. --Carol, Rhode Island
One reader passed along this bit of information that may be of
interest to those in the United States:
- Two months ago on July 11 of this year, Ohio Congressman
Dennis Kucinich proposed the the establishment of a Cabinet level
Department of Peace, for the purpose of exploring peaceful,
diplomatic, non-violent solutions to today's issues. After the events
last Tues, this Department seems more needed than ever. For the
highlights of his proposal, see
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr010711a.htm. This bill, HR
2459, is currently in committee and could use co-signers from other
congresspeople. There are currently 40 co-signers. We have certainly
prepared for war all these years; now more than ever we need to
prepare for peace, if we're to see it happen. --Judy,
California
And finally, this letter, sent by Richard and Lilian in Bristol,
United Kingdom, to many of their American friends:
Subject: Sympathy
So few of us can even begin to understand the reality of the
macro-scale of the terrible success of the attacks on the American
people and, too, on the many other nationalities, including Britain,
and their results in the lasting horror and grief for so many
thousands, most particularly for American families.
It has been a nightmare proved all too true, inescapable, for us
so far away but so close because we have been tied to the radio news
and the TV. We have had an ever decreasing difficulty in grasping
the scale of human wickedness.
There have been many, many tears here, including Lilian's, in
seeing the terrible TV pictures. This morning, at Richard's Probus
Club meeting, we stood in silence for two minutes at its outset.
This, we know, has been a pattern across the country.
Today, flags were flying at half-mast as they did on the death of
President Roosevelt. Her Majesty the Queen ordered that there should
be an unique recognition of our solidarity with you all. The daily
Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace today was marked by
the unprecedented presence of the Guards' Band which played the
American National Anthem in the courtyard before the thousands
gathered before it, many being Americans. Here in Bristol the
pictures for us were greatly moving and we ourselves stood in
silence. At first there was only the music but then voices swelled
with the words. There were many tears among those singing and holding
their hands on their hearts. There were also shots of Brits in
various despairs and the huge collection, still growing, of flowers
being left by the American Embassy.
We are both deeply glad that the Queen has broken her holiday at
Balmoral to return tonight to receive your Ambassador.
Tomorrow there will be a service at St Paul's Cathedral, a
symbolic church for us in times of national distress and celebration.
Sadly, tomorrow it is the former. The Queen and the Government will
attend, as we would expect, in support of you Americans and also in
recognition of us too, though in an infinitely smaller number, that
this has been the highest loss of life in any terrorist attack.
Life is scarcely normal here. Our newspapers convey the
unbelievable magnitude of the catastrophe. We hold on to normality in
interludes between viewing the continuing horrors of the attacks, our
thoughts so much with you all, and aching hearts in our inability do
more than that.
--Richard and Lilian
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