September 11, 2001
.. IN THE WAKE OF DESTRUCTION, WE MUST NOT GIVE IN ..
No one ever imagined that such a horrific and devastating attack could ever
occur on the soil of this nation, in the very heart of our existence. We can
scarcely comprehend the breadth and scope of these atrocities. Trademark
buildings, symbols of our nation's wealth and strength lie broken and in
ruins. Thousands of families from all walks of life frantically search and
grieve for those relatives and friends they have not been able to locate or
contact. As our Market remains closed, questions arise as to the future of
our already unstable economy. We, as a nation, brace for the inevitable
impositions upon our personal freedoms in the name of security, and the
possibility of war. And on a personal level, the confidence and
invulnerability of every American has been shaken. And sadly we fear, this
is not the end.
So many of us have never seen tragedy of this magnitude, and none of us
would ever have believed it possible. There is confusion and disbelief in
every house and business in this country, as well as feelings of terrible
loss, and undeniable anger. To the families and friends of those lost and
missing in Manhattan, Washington DC and Pennsylvania, we extend our deepest
sympathies. To the emergency and public safety workers who saved so many
lives, and who lost so many of their own we offer our gratitude for your
service and dedication. And to the thousands of people around the country
who volunteer their time, their strength, their very blood to assist in
this time of need, we thank you. The strength of the United States is being
tested, not only on a military or governmental level, but down to each and
every citizen. We are proud to know that so many of us stand together and
reach out in any way we can to help in this crisis. This is a testament to
the true strength and resolve of this country, which lies in each of us.
We must all come together now, as one. To repair, to rebuild, to relieve
and to overcome. This nation is the strongest in the world. Let us remain so.
And let us also be the most vigilant, and resilient ... so that again,
there may be peace.