A Special Message About the Events of September 11, 2001
On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, life in
the United States—and, perhaps, the world—changed forever. Four hijacked American passenger jets crashed or were crashed into
such targets as the Pentagon and New York City’s World Trade Center
towers. The towers and several
other buildings in New York’sfinancial district later collapsed, in
some cases with people still inside.
As of September 16, the death toll is
expected to be more than 5,000 people, including hundreds of police
and firefighters responding to the ensuing emergencies.
In addition to Americans, victims included Australians, Britons,
Germans, Japanese, Koreans, and representatives of other peoples of
the world community.
Americans responded quickly with relief
efforts and calls for military action.
Members of the U.S. Congress, often divided bitterly along party
lines, nonetheless acted in unison to condemn these acts of terrorism
and to support President George W. Bush in taking swift action against
those suspected of planning and executing these terrorist acts.
The prime suspects include extremists apparently operating from
nations in the Middle East.
A backlash soon occurred against Americans
of Middle Eastern descent. Vandalism,
intimidation, road rage, and even shootings at businesses and Islamic
centers in the United States made headlines, as Americans—whether of
Middle Eastern heritage or simply suspected of it—became targets of
misplaced anger and bigotry.
In any intense situation, emotions can
run high, and people of otherwise good character and judgment may find
themselves acting in ways they would later—with clearer heads—be desperately
ashamed of. But blaming the innocent helps no one; violence
by Americans against other Americans serves no purposes but to harm
people guilty of no crime and to weaken this proud nation as a whole.
Kitty and Steve urge all Americans to
unite in this crisis, to support efforts to help the victims and their
families, and to act responsibly in their day-to-day lives.
We also urge our representatives to consider every other possible
solution—legal, diplomatic, and economic—before resorting to violence
as a means to addressing this conflict.
The choices we make in the days to come may have significant
repercussions, now and for future generations.
Let our decisions be guided by the wisdom and vision which the
Founding Fathers believed future Americans would be capable of.
For those wishing to do something to help,
give blood. Donate food, water, or other supplies for the
relief. Talk to someone if you
feel the need—a friend, a neighbor, or a professional counselor. Consider speaking with your children about
the crisis to help them understand.
Seek solace or guidance in your religious or spiritual beliefs. Support your employees who may be called up
for military duty. Let authorities
know if you have information that may help in their investigations. Open your hearts and minds to all Americans.
Keep calm. Be strong. Think before you act. And, remember, we’re all in this together.