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On September 11, 2001 innocent hard-working Americans were murdered in a despicable act of terrorism that will be remembered in the minds of people all around the world. It is hard for those of us who do not harbor such hatreds against our fellow humans to believe that such hatred and insanity exists within the hearts and minds of humankind - but indeed it does exist. Not only does it exist, but it is clear that it exists most fervently among those who follow a path of religious fanaticism. While we who are Americans, believe in religious freedom and tolerance of others whose beliefs are different than our own, we do not tolerate injustice, violence or inhumanity toward others.
We are a nation of many peoples of many religious and ethnic backgrounds, we may not always agree with one another on many issues and ideas, but in our desire for freedom from tyranny we are of one mind, make no mistake about it. We shall bury our loved ones and grieve our losses, but we shall emerge as a people stronger in character and a nation united in our resolve to fight for freedom and justice and to blot out tyranny and terrorism in all its forms.
As of September 13, 2001
WTC Missing: 4,763
WTC Dead: 184
Airline Dead: 266
Pentagon Dead: 167
More than Pearl Harbor and the Titanic Disaster together:
Pearl Harbor Dead: 2,350
Titanic Dead: 1,500
To the valiant men and women in New York City: The Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, Doctors, Nurses and employees of Saint Vincent's Hospital and other hospitals throughout this great city, and to the citizens of New York who have banded together and volunteered their time, blood, food, clothing, medical supplies and other services to the rescue effort -- our eternal gratitude. You are our heroes. God Bless you!
Update: October 26, 2001
Today I received a Memorial Card from the family of one of the Firemen who lost his life while attempting to save others. Inside was this poem which is worth sharing with others for it expresses not only the courage, love and deep spiritual faith that this family demonstrates at a time of momentous sorrow, but also the truth that though the physical body may cease to exist, love never dies, nor does the soul of the person who has crossed over into the world of Spirit. Indeed, they continue to live and can still commune with us and we with them.
"To those I Love and Those Who Love Me:
When
I am gone, release me, let me go,
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be thankful for our beautiful years.
I gave my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a time that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on,
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near,
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear.
All my love around you soft and clear,
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home"
Absent from the body, present with the Lord.
