FROM AN AOL POST, 9/16/2001 7:37 PM EDT
SUBJECT: AN AMERICAN HEART
We feel the pain, we feel the sorrow. We see a nation on its knees, united and crying for an answer. No, there is not a right answer, there are no words that can describe the pain.
I was not born in this land, but I became an American citizen by choice, because I love this land, this country. I just want to pass the word that when you become a citizen of a country by choice you do so out of love. I love the people, the culture, the history. I love you, and today I pray that God gives me the wisdom to share with people that not all foreigners can harm America.
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/17/2001 8:33 PM EDT
SUBJECT: I AM FROM SINGAPORE
I moved to live in the U.S.A. with my family a couple of years ago. I lived a sheltered life in the small island of Singapore and was just about to feel being at home in the U.S. My heart broke for America as I watched the news coverage on TV.
I am also touched beyond words as I observed Americans coming together in rescue efforts, to support each other and mourn their loss. I am glad I will have an opportunity to be one of you . . . one day.
“My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.”
—THOMAS PAINE, The Age of Reason
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/15/2001 7:23 PM EDT
SUBJECT: HOW MANY PRAYERS?
How many prayers for the mothers searching for their children, the daughters looking for their fathers, all the friends who are missing?
How many prayers for the multitude of rescue workers, the countless people still unaccounted for, the unknown buried beneath debris?
How many prayers for the faceless bodies pulled out of the rubble, the unidentified screams of a few helpless survivors, the unanswered cell phone calls from the inside?
How many prayers for the innocent people who will never come home, the bodies flying out of the 85th-story windows like drifting sheets of paper, the witnesses from several blocks away?
How many prayers for the rejoicing Palestinians, the Middle Eastern immigrants being harassed in America, the Arab men being held as suspects?
How many prayers will bring them all back, rebuild the towers, return the feeling of safety to our home?
Are there enough prayers to restore all of the lost lives, to replace the fallen buildings, and to avoid this war against terrorism?
God, hear our many prayers today, and please, God bless America.
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/14/2001 12:47 PM EDT
SUBJECT: THE WORLD IS UNITING
The only light that shines out of this terrible darkness is that people around the world are uniting and revering life again. Life is something that every single one of us has taken for granted. People everywhere are changed, and hopefully we’ll all stop bickering about the petty things.
It warms my heart to see peoples and cultures that historically haven’t been very fond of America have empathized and care about life. Having lived in Moscow, I’ve felt the anti-Americanism. But seeing that the Russians are having memorials and genuinely shedding tears for our losses encourages me and puts faith back in me that humans are capable of loving—no matter the color of their skin, the language they speak, or the religion they practice.
I also have a renewed sense of patriotism. I had lost it for quite some time as I sunk deeper into a cynical state. But my heart is full and proud to be a national of a country of such amazing, caring people. Not only have I shed tears of sadness, but also tears of joy to see so many Americans from every corner of this vast country donating blood, donating food, donating money, and donating their own lives to help others in such a time of tragedy. We all have so many differences, yet that makes us even more special.
I have never felt so much love for so many people and I want to let everyone know that you all have a piece of my heart. Let’s remain this way—united and loving.
“I will plant companionship thick as trees along all the rivers of America,
And along the shores of the great lakes, and all over the prairies,
I will make inseparable cities with their arms about each other’s necks.”
—WALT WHITMAN, “SONG OF MYSELF”
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/14/2001 6:02 AM EDT
SUBJECT: FROM GREAT BRITAIN
To America and her people . . .
Although a simple message may not be of any significant help or comfort to you at the moment, I want you all to know that the people of Great Britain are shocked and disgusted at what has happened to your nation.
You all have our greatest sympathies and support. Rest assured that the people and government of Great Britain are behind you 100 percent.
“In sorrow and sympathy with the U.S.A. You supported us in two world wars and more, and we stand with you now.”
—FROM A CARD OUTSIDE THE U.S. EMBASSY IN LONDON, The New York Times 9/14/2001
“Canadians share the loss of loved ones and friends. On Friday our nation mourned with you for the victims of the terrorist attacks. We share your outrage, grief, compassion and resolve. The people of Canada are with you every step of the way. As friends. As neighbors. As family.”
—FROM A FULL-PAGE AD IN The New York Times 9/17/2001
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/20/2001 8:24 PM EDT
SUBJECT: A LETTER TO THE TERRORISTS
Last Thursday night when my family went outside to light the candles for these wonderful heroes we lost, I was amazed that in a neighborhood where I had lived for two years and only met three or four of my neighbors, we filled my friends’ front yard with over fifty people from our street. These were people of all ages, races, and religions, but we are all Americans. We came together as a neighborhood, the way this country will come together.
“These unspeakable acts have shattered our City and shocked our nation. But they have not weakened the bonds that unite us as New Yorkers, as Americans—as those who love freedom—and, ultimately, as those who love one another. Our strength will defeat this evil. Our spirit will overcome this atrocity. And, together, this land of people, and by the people, will soar higher than even our beloved twin towers.”
—GOVERNOR GEORGE E. PATAKI, SPEECH TO THE JOINT SESSION OF THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE 9/13/2001
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/20/2001 5:13 PM EDT
SUBJECT: MY HOPE . . .
I have few words to say compared to the tremendous well of emotion in my heart. All I can think about is the victims, their families, the rescuers lost, and our country on bended knee. My prayers are the only comfort . . . my blood and money, my only offering . . . my tears, the only expression these days . . . and my hope, the only thing that keeps me going.
We are a family . . . every one of us. Even though we may have never met . . . we are bound together by our citizenship and our patriotism.
Our skin color does not matter, or our religion. We are Americans. And we cry together . . . as one.
My hope is that we will remain united. That we will treat our neighbors and our children with care and compassion. The man who prays differently than me, the one I’ve seen a hundred times a week, the citizen of the same, great country as me, the man with an accent . . . darker skin, ethnic clothing—that man is flying our flag as proudly as you and me. He weeps as you and I have and does not deserve the rock through his window or the names we call his children all of a sudden. We are better than this kind of ignorance displayed recently . . .
For God’s sake . . . WE ARE AMERICANS, a nation built on diversity and freedom of speech, religion, and opinions. My hope is that we come out of this with a greater sense of compassion to our fellow human beings—that we can transcend not only the tragedy of death but celebrate life.
My hope is that we unite and stay that way . . . shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans, and wave this beautiful flag . . . together.
There has been enough devastation to last 100 lifetimes, let’s not create more in our own backyard. John Lennon said it best . . . Love is all you need.
“We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace: that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations, far away. We have learned that we must live as men, and not as ostriches, nor as dogs in the manger. We have learned to be citizens of the world, members of the human community.”
—FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT, FOURTH INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 1/20/1945
RESOURCEFUL
“These are the times that try men’s souls.”
—THOMAS PAINE, The American Crisis
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/15/2001 5:41 PM EDT
SUBJECT: MANY MODEST HEROES IN TIMES OF TRAGEDY
Tuesday morning I was getting ready for work and watching the “Today” show when the second plane hit the WTC. I was stunned and brought to tears, as were many Americans both near and far.
That night, as my husband came home from work, he called to tell me there was a man standing on an overpass near Castle Rock, Colorado, waving a large American flag at the evening traffic. I immediately and most proudly went out and flew the Stars and Stripes at our house.
This wonderful man continued this vigil daily; three days later, a local news crew went out to cover the awesome scene—his bicentennial flag waving and hundreds of motorists honking in appreciation.
This modest man in his late 50s simply said that this was his job today. He could not fight for his country anymore, he said, but he could do this. At one point, a local sheriff’s deputy pulled up next to him and he thought he would be told to go home. Instead, the deputy shook his hand and thanked him.
The fortitude shown by this one man touched the hearts of hundreds of people in southern Colorado, just as that of the rescue workers, Americans joining in prayer, and the loved ones who search tirelessly for friends and family in the city of New York touch all of us.
I have noticed too that in small ways Americans are making an effort to be connected to one another once again. When I went to the grocery store last night, I noticed that an unusual number of strangers were making eye contact with one another, going out of their way to hold doors for one another, and simply smiling and saying hello.
This is again the America of my youth. The one where we all joined together in saying the pledge of allegiance and no voice was silent.
Thank you to the people of this country and its quietly modest heroes who make it great. Thank you for restoring our faith in humanity and helping to lessen our sorrow. Thank you to those who choose to do small things that make a difference to so many!
“It is not in the still calm of life, or in the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed. . . . The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. All history will convince you of this, and that wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure. Great necessities call out great virtues.”
—ABIGAIL ADAMS, LETTER TO JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/25/2001 12:55 PM EDT
SUBJECT: THIS IS HOW I’M GOING TO HELP
Yesterday, I contacted the NYPD and gave them my support in the form of translation services. I speak fluent Arabic. I will translate documents they intercept and even spy on Arab conversations if necessary.
I love America. I only wish I could have used my skills sooner.
“The Parks Department sent over six big light towers usually used for outdoor concerts so we could keep digging at night.”
—RESCUE WORKER, Newsday 9/13/2001
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/15/2001 8:43 AM EDT
SUBJECT: HOW ARE YOU HELPING?
The fact that so many people offer support with both their time and money is extremely important and is greatly appreciated (beyond mere words).
But the simplest and perhaps most helpful thing to do is to listen to others who have been impacted by this atrocity. Offer your emotional support. If you know someone who was there and survived, or if you know someone who is wondering about someone who they cannot find, or if someone has found out that a loved one is no longer with them . . . LISTEN or at least check in to find out how they are faring emotionally.
Let people talk . . . But more so let them know you are really there for them . . . Let them know their lives and those of their loved ones are valuable to you. We all want to feel loved and appreciated. Unfortunately, many of us do not feel that way on a regular basis.
I was actually at Ground Zero when the first plane struck the tower. I am incredibly lucky and fortunate to have survived with just a concussion, a few scrapes, bruises, and a swollen leg dodging the concrete falling at my head. The fact that I am holding my own and am relatively calm on the outside does not mean that I am okay on the inside. The physical pain is nothing compared to the emotional pain.
That’s how you can help . . . Listen and care about people around you . . . It’s simple and priceless.
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/14/2001 10:26 PM EDT
I am an employee of K-Sea Transportation (a tug and barge company in Staten Island, New York).
I am proud to say that K-Sea jumped right into the rescue effort as soon as the tragedy happened. We sent tugs to assist in moving persons from New York to ports of New Jersey, etc. We sent a water barge to New York to help in supplying water for cleanup, showers, and drinking water for all workers and military vessels.
I am also a very grateful employee because my daughter was trapped in downtown Manhattan that awful day with no way out of the city—and K-Sea sent a tug just to find her. I know how much time and money it costs to send a tug to go up and down the piers of NYC, and I am so grateful and happy to say they found my daughter and returned her to me untouched by the traumatic hours others had to endure to get safely out of that madness.
“Everybody that has a boat in the water is trying to help out, taking passengers to Hoboken, doing what we can.”
—NEW YORK FERRY CAPTAIN, The New York Times 9/12/2001
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/15/2001 7:06 AM EDT
SUBJECT: HELPING TEENS COPE WITH FEELINGS CONCERNING THE TRAGEDY
I am an art teacher in a school in Southwest Florida. As Tuesday’s tragedy unfolded, I could see that my day’s art lesson plan needed an immediate alteration. After consulting my principal, I greeted the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade drawing classes with pencils and paper—the kind that is used in kindergarten, with lines on the bottom half and a blank space at the top.
While the TV continued to report the devastating news, I explained through my tears that we, as artists, could visually record an event and also let out our feelings through our drawings. I went on to explain that we could also write whatever we want on the paper. I told them about Picasso, and how he painted the wall-sized “Guernica” to visually portray the horrors of the war in Spain.
They immediately started writing and drawing. Some wrote prayers, stories, one line of feelings, or nothing at all. I also used this lesson with the next morning’s class. The drawings and the writings were so heartfelt that I faxed some to the local newspaper, which immediately came out and took photos of some of the students and their drawings and interviewed me.
I did this little “art therapy” lesson with 57 students and I only hope that in a small way, my students could cope with all that was happening.
“We’ve been forming carpools at the rental counter since the airports are shut down. They say that people work together in times of crisis.”
—A STRANDED TRAVELER IN DETROIT, The New York Times 9/12/2001
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/14/2001 12:32 PM EDT
SUBJECT: HELPING IN KANSAS
The city of Leavenworth had a blood drive today. I arrived 30 minutes after they opened to find that they had already moved to the gym due to the large response. After waiting for 2 hours, the staff said it would be an additional 4- to 5-hour wait and that they would stay late to continue taking blood.
Instead of getting upset, people kept coming. The Red Cross said they would be doing special blood drives for the next 4 to 5 weeks to help our cou
ntry. I know that this isn’t a lot, but it just goes to show how this country has banded together as one.
In Kansas City, the firefighters just had their annual donation drive.
Today, they were out again, asking for donations to send to those in need. No one asked them, they just did it.
“We didn’t have any tables, so we put bagels and granola bars out on stretchers for the emergency service workers.”
—VOLUNTEER AT CHELSEA PIERS, The New York Times 9/14/2001
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/14/2001 3:24 PM EDT
SUBJECT: DOWN THE ROAD
A friend of my son was not fortunate enough to have his daddy come home the other night, and as a New Jersey parent, I have been struggling to determine what I can do to help. The blood banks are turning people away, as are the local shelters, which are overwhelmed with supplies . . . so several of us at school have already decided that we will hold a blood drive in six months to honor the victims of this horrible tragedy.
My only hope is that people do not forget, and that the same support is evident then as well . . . we will do our part at least to ensure that this community never forgets.
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/16/2001 5:16 PM EDT
SUBJECT: MAKING SANDWICHES
I am a student at New York University in New York City. Today, a few of my soccer teammates and I made more than 3,000 sandwiches for the rescue workers risking their lives. I am glad I could help.
“Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.”
—WINSTON CHURCHILL, RADIO BROADCAST, 2/9/1941
FROM AN AOL POST, 9/25/2001 8:34 PM EDT
SUBJECT: MY 10-YEAR-OLD
Because We Are Americans Page 8
