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United in Grief

Spanish Translation

By Kathryn Hoffman

On the morning of September 11, the Twin Towers of New York City's World Trade Center touched the crisp blue sky. Early sunlight gleamed off 110 floors of windows. Many visitors paused to admire the stately structures and all that they represented: power, wealth, success. But to America's enemies, the Twin Towers were hated symbols of a nation they saw as a greedy bully.

Last week's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and on the Pentagon—another symbol of our nation's strength—were meant to knock down all that Americans believe in. The Twin Towers are gone from the New York skyline. Part of the Pentagon building, which is located near Washington, D.C., is burned and crumbling. Both sites are now the graves of innocent citizens. But in the midst of devastation, it was clear last week that the spirit of Americans remains unbroken.

Rushing to the Rescue
Government officials estimate that at least 5,000 people died in Tuesday's attacks. That's more than the number who died in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. In response to the tragic events, thousands of ordinary folks became heroes.

Across the country, people stood in line for hours to give blood. With airports closed, medical experts and rescue workers drove hundreds of miles to help out at the disaster sites. Companies offered money and resources. In New York City, volunteers helped in any way they could—making sandwiches, handing out water and clothes. Firefighters, police officers, doctors and rescue teams worked around the clock in dangerous conditions. Many died trying to save lives.

President George W. Bush, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and other leaders sprang into action. Bush appeared on television, hoping to reassure a frightened nation. "None of us will ever forget this day," he said. "Yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good in our world." Giuliani walked through the streets of a shaken city, ordering people to evacuate lower Manhattan.

On Wednesday, First Lady Laura Bush visited victims of the Pentagon attack. The next day, she reached out to schoolchildren, saying, "I want to reassure you that many people love and care about you and are looking out for your safety."

Late in the week, Congressional leaders approved a $40-billion package to combat terrorism and rebuild the nation. "We are shoulder to shoulder. We are in complete agreement that we will act together as one," said Dick Gephardt of Missouri, Democratic leader of the House of Representatives.

A World of Support
Leaders and ordinary people around the world shared America's grief. In Israel, both Palestinians and Israelis lined up to donate blood. President Bush declared Friday, September 14, a national day of prayer and remembering. South Korea and the 15 countries of the European Union also set aside the day as a time of mourning. Expressions of sympathy came from nations that don't often agree with the U.S., including Iran and Syria.

Still, some Americans were feeling suspicious of foreigners. Investigations suggested that Osama bin Laden, an Arab, was the mastermind behind the attacks. A few Americans, overwhelmed by fear and anger, lashed out at Arab-Americans and Muslims. Bush and other leaders called for tolerance. Said the President: "Our nation must be mindful that there are thousands of Arab-Americans who love the flag just as much [as other Americans]."

In New York City and Washington, D.C., rain fell like tears from the sky on Friday morning. People gathered in churches and public squares nationwide to honor the victims of the attacks.

At the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the President recalled those who lost their lives and all who rushed to save them. "Americans showed a deep commitment to one another, and an abiding love for our country," he said. "Today, we feel what Franklin Roosevelt called the warm courage of national unity. This is a unity of every faith and every background."

Next: September 11, 2001: A Day of Terror