While I cannot begin to erase your loss in this senseless tragedy, I would like to share a few thoughts with you in an effort to help you get through this difficult time. Your loved ones who died through no choice of their own in the plane crashes, the assaults on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as those selfless heroes who have fallen in their attempts to aid and rescue the victims of the attacks...those of you who are left without husbands, wives, children, parents, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, grandparents, coworkers, and mentors are not alone. Your tears, grief, and anger are shared by your fellow countrymen here and abroad. The world has paused momentarily in subdued shock, disbelief, and outrage, too. Presidents, Prime Ministers, royalty and working people the world over have extended their sympathies and expressions of grief to America for what it has suffered.
At this very moment, in the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, the grandest assemblage of America's leaders along with representatives from other countries are gathering in a show of solidarity and in their tribute to our slain citizens. While the terroristic act which snatched away the lives of those dear to your hearts is something we cannot fix, it is something that we, as a people, have found to unite this mighty nation again. Our country is pulling together, irregardless of ethnicity and color, religious beliefs, or gender to gain retribution for this heinous act as we hunt down those responsible for committing it.
Although these efforts in no way can ever replace your loss, perhaps it will help for each of you to know that while we live in an imperfect world and in a country which has seen it's fair share of mistakes, stupidity, greed, discrimination, theft, and lack of morals at times, you belong to a nation whose citizens are willing to shed the blood of others, as well their own blood, in efforts to exact retribution and to hopefully, prevent this from ever happening again.
From our mansions, apartments, trailer parks, factories, school campuses, ghettos, churches, suppertables, homeless shelters, prisons, massage parlors, and offices, our thoughts are with you. I can only hope that the renewed sense of pride, strength, and patriotism in our country can help to dry your tears and ease your pain. This is all that people such as I, not knowing you, not being able to hug you or speak to you personally, can do. God be with you...and God bless America.
