"For a moment, the world
shared the deep pain of devastating human suffering and mourned the loss
of innocent life. There were so many questions. Why? Who were
these people? Why do they hate us? Where is Afghanistan?
What is Islam? Who is Osama bin Laden? What are the reasons
for this? Could we have prevented it? Could it happen again?
"Today, as we reflect upon the events
of a year ago, there is much to contemplate. And just as our responses
were different in the days that followed 9/11, so our responses are different
today. The questions that began to be raised then, have not all had
easy answers. And there are now new questions without easy answers.
"As we remember, it is my hope that
we will be prayerful, that we will be contemplative, that we will be thoughtful
and that we will continue to struggle as a human family for the answers
to difficult questions.
"Many of us will surely be reminded
today of how grateful we are for the privilege of living in a free land.
Let us also count the cost and responsibility of our freedom.
"We will certainly be mindful of
the victims of the attacks. Let us also be mindful of the thousands
of people whose lives continue to be impacted by the events of that day.
The suffering of this world did not begin on Sept. 11, 2001, but perhaps
its notoriety caused the world to share in such suffering and may open
a door for the world to search together for a road toward healing.
"It is my hope that we will each
look into our own hearts and to our God for those ways that we can reduce
suffering, those places where we can bring light into the dark corners
of bitterness and hatred, of ignorance and intolerance.
"As you go forth into this day, listen
as the bells toll, hear the sounds of patriotism and faith. Seek
within yourself and with your God to continue to find answers to the difficult
issues facing our world.
"Remember also the hopeful stories,
the stories of kindness and the stories of uncommon courage. Remember
the strength of a nation. Remember the efforts to bridge cultural,
religious and national divisions. Remember your faith.
"May we all remember.
"May we also learn and grow.
"And may we together seek a world
in which the horror of Sept 11 is never again repeated anytime, anyplace,
to any people.
"Crumley Gardens is designated today
as a place of reflection. You are invited to use it as you wish to
reflect.
"Let us always Remember."
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