Art work of Charles Lynn Bragg

 Hands Around the World

From Suzie of Heart of Gold

Today is a National Day of Mourning here in Ireland and the nation has essentially shut down. Churches throughout the country have been filled to overflowing as people take time to remember the dead, injured and bereaved, and to show solidarity with the people of the United States at this time. President Mary McAleese addressed the nation this morning and this memo has been prepared to bring her words to you. A reader has suggested that you forward copies to your American friends as it may bring them comfort and hope by demonstrating how deeply their pain is appreciated around the world.


STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE TO MARK NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING

On this National Day of Mourning we take time to reflect on the horrendous events of the past few days in the United States. These horrible scenes represent an attack on the very foundations of our human dignity. We are sad, shocked, sickened, grieving, disbelieving, outraged, frightened all at once. We are only beginning to hear the human stories, the unbearable reports of final phone calls of love, of the heroism of so many, the loss of so many. These stories will continue to unfold for many days and weeks to come, bringing with them a growing realisation of the full extent of the pain and sorrow that is the gruesome legacy of these awful acts of hatred. The people of the United States hold a special place in the hearts of all of us here in Ireland. The roots go down through the centuries and are as strong today as they ever were. Our first thoughts therefore are with the American people as they try to cope with the magnitude of what has happened in their great country. To the bereaved, the injured and to those awaiting news of their loved ones, we send our prayers, our deepest sympathy and our support. And we in Ireland face our own share of this tragedy. We only have to look at the photograph of the beautiful face of Ruth Clifford McCourt and her gorgeous little girl Juliana to see with our own eyes the loss which Ireland, too, has experienced. There are deep worries about other loved ones missing, still unaccounted for, and we pray for the Irish families who wait to hear some word and who hope for any possible consolation.

We have watched in admiration as the rescue services work ceaselessly to locate the victims of these attacks and sadly, we now know that many of the emergency personnel have themselves perished in the course of their duties. Their heroic, loving care for the stranger stands in sharp contrast to the evil of those who perpetrated these horrors.

Our Embassy and Consulates in the United States and Government Departments at home are deeply involved in providing caring assistance to our Irish family here and in the United States and we thank them for the kindness and sensitivity with which they go
about this difficult work. This National Day of Mourning is a very special opportunity for all of us to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the United States of America. It sends a message across the Atlantic and indeed around the globe that Ireland too is broken-hearted and grieving at the unconscionable waste of life we have witnessed this week.

God bless those in the United States, those in Ireland and all those men, women and little children throughout the world who have been personally, profoundly affected by this tragedy. May God guide us safely through these troubled days.

From Suzie of Heart of Gold

This from Karen:  I have worked with Lloyd's Underwriters since 1973 and have visited Lloyd's numerous times. The Lutine Bell is only rung in the face of a major tragedy. Again, I cried (haven't we all done a lot of that this week?), because of the support that our English friends are showing for us.....as is most of the free world.

Subject: Changing Of Guard Honors Victims

A special Changing of the Guard ceremony has been held at Buckingham Palace to honor victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States. For the first time, the American national anthem was played at the ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, instead of God Save The Queen, as hundreds of people watched on. Some wept in scenes of emotion outside the royal residence not seen since the death of Princess Diana. 

A minute's silence was also held as a mark of respect for the thousands who died. Londoners have been seen crying as they read newspaper reports of the attacks while traveling to work on trains and buses. 

On Wednesday, Prince Charles was the first person to sign a book of condolence at the US Embassy in London. The Last Night of the Proms at the Albert Hall has been delayed until Saturday as a mark of respect. The usual British patriotism that accompanies the final night with flag waving and the British national anthem has been dropped, instead there will be a 2 minute silence and music seen as being more inspiring.

The Lutine Bell at Lloyd's of London, is being rung in honor of the dead. This is done rarely. Originally in history and tradition, the Lutine Bell rang to signify a shipping disaster.

From Suzie of Heart of Gold

From Suzie of Heart of Gold

From Suzie of Heart of Gold 

From Barbara of Heart of Gold