As
our special tribute to the terrible events that happened in America on
11th September 2001 we provide this page showing Britain's support and
indeed the support of our own Electric Scotland community.
Not only was this a terrible event for
Americans but also for the world. It is said that more British were
killed in this event than in any other terrorist event in our history.
Many people of some 61 nations have died as a result and the world has come
together to support our American cousins in their time of need.
14th September 2001
British Parliament
meets to give full support to America
Special 3 minute
silence at 11am
3 minute silence in
Edinburgh
3 minute silence at
Parliament
3 minute silence in Brussels
3 minute silence at the US
Embassy in London
3 minute silence at the US
Air Force base in England
3 minute silence in Belfast
3 minute silence in Cardiff
3 minute silence in our
Schools
3 minute silence at the US
Air Force base in England with Piper playing Amazing Grace
Service at St Paul's
Cathedral
The Queen with US Ambassador
to the UK
Crowd scene outside St. Paul's, estimated 30,000 people
The Star Spangled Banner
First time the American National Anthem has been played in St Paul's
(The American National Anthem was also played at the changing of the Guard
at
Buckingham Palace. The first time this has ever happened in our history.)
18 year old American Student
lights a candle of remembrance
The Archbishop of Canterbury
A Service of Remembrance with the American Community in the United Kingdom
We have gathered today, not only inside this
great Cathedral but outside as well, to share in America's grief and to
mourn the loss of so many lives.
Like millions of others I watched in horror, as the towers of the World
Trade Centre disappeared under a cloud of dust and smoke. A modern icon of
America had been reduced to rubble. A senseless evil had been perpetrated
against America and against the free world.
In the aftermath of such shocking events,
various emotions arise within us. We may feel despair at man's inhumanity
to man. We may feel helpless that we can do so little for those who have
suffered so much, among them hundreds of British people; they and their
families are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We may
feel anger against those who planned and carried out such evil, despicable
deeds. We may want to see revenge. We may just feel numb.
But my first word today - echoed I know by every faith leader present and
by us all - is a simple message to the people of America through the
American ambassador: a message of love and solidarity; a message also of
hope. What you have gone through in these last few days is beyond our
imagination. As we gather with Her Majesty the Queen, Government and other
political leaders, our hearts go out to you; you are all firmly in our
prayers. We hope you know that we are with you in your hour of need.
And next let me affirm that true faith is
never overcome by disasters of this kind. There is something unconquerable
about the faith we share. With St Paul we trust that 'neither death, nor
life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers...nor any other creature
shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our
Lord.'
And even in the darkest hour, such faith in
God gives birth to hope. So into the trauma of the people of America let
us declare the hopeful words of the prophet Isaiah, first spoken at a time
of disaster and despair in the life of his own people:
They shall build up the ancient ruins,
They shall raise up the former devastations,
They shall repair the ruined cities...
I am hopeful for the people of America:
hopeful that as ruins are rebuilt, so also a shaken people will be
restored.
For, as the twin towers of the World Trade Centre disappeared amid the
smoke and carnage, across a short stretch of water another, older,
American icon was not submerged. The September morning sun continued to
shine on the Statue of Liberty, her torch raised like a beacon; a beacon
of hope, and to millions around the world, a symbol of all that is best
about America.
Liberty has always been at the heart of the
American vision. That liberty must be defended. It is the awesome
responsibility of the leaders of America to decide how to respond to this
evil inflicted upon their people, this assault on their freedom and
security. The leaders of America need our prayers. May God give them
wisdom to use their great power in such ways that further evil aggression
is indeed deterred, and the security and well-being of all is advanced in
our interdependent world.
For the flower of democracy to flourish it
must grow in the soil of justice. Yes, those responsible for such barbaric
acts must be held to account. But we must be guided by higher goals than
mere revenge. As we battle with evil, our goal must be a world where such
violence is a thing of the past.
The ideal of liberty at the core of America's greatness - the liberty
symbolised by that statue emerging unscathed from the pall of devastation
- was founded on a noble community of values in which we are proud to
share. Values like tolerance and compassion, justice and mercy. Values at
the heart of the Christian faith and also of other faiths.
Let us keep them before us now - like a
torch, like a beacon - even as we mourn and grieve. For if we are
steadfast we know that, by the grace of God, no darkness, no evil can ever
extinguish that beacon of hope.
The Queen and US Ambassador
meet Americans outside St Pauls
Pictures on this page were
captured from the BBC transmissions
I find the scenes in
America right now just terrible and simply wanted to express my
condolences to our American friends and hope that none of you or you
family have been personally affected by these tragic events.
I am sure all of us on here have you in our prayers.
Thank you Alastair. This is all just
to horrible to even imagine. I have
friends that live near that area of
New York and am so worried. This has
me so shook up, I can hardly think.
Whatever befalls our
American friends has an immense effect upon all Canadians. My sympathies
are extended to all who are affected by these senseless attacks.
All of us remember certain events and what we were doing when they
happened. I remember Pearl Harbour. I remember the assassination of JFK. I
am saddened to add the sneak attacks of September 11, 2001, to the list.
I am outside the US at this moment and somewhere in Canada. I cannot
disclose my exact location, however, I have been listening closely to all
the incoming reports of the attacks on America. As an American, I am now
in shock. Further, I had decided not to try to cross over the border into
America, but rather to delay my attempt to return home post haste. The
borders are closed in may places and security if so tight right now that
I'm sure US Customs would dismantle my vehicle and take my computer. Trust
me, I know they most likely would and can anyone blame them?
I would like to say that, Canadians have done just what you would hope
anyone would do for you, as your neighbor and friend. The Canadian Blood
Service is working like mad to collect blood for injured Americans. Many
Canadians are traveling to Canadian airports and other facilities that
travelers use to actually look for Americans or any stranded travelers to
offer their homes to them as a way of offering assistance. The Canadian
heart is a BIG heart. I wish to extend my thanks and deep appreciation for
your love, care and humanity. *HUGE HUG*
The events of the day should not be what they are. The events of the day
should be that world peace has been achieved or that hunger on our planet
has been eliminated. In light of this day's events, I feel it is most
appropriate to tell everyone on ES, friends or not, that if they ever want
to take my hand in friendship, I have it fully extended. If my hand is a
bit wet, it is so from my tears of sadness for this horrific and cowardly
attack made upon my country today.
The onslaught is hitting
us in San Diego. Major shopping malls (totally enclosed) are closed and
locked. Community centers are closed and locked. School attendance is low,
whether it be from parents' concern for their childrens' safety or because
they want them to see this sad and historical day unfold before their eyes
on television. U.S. Citizens that have gone across the border to Mexico
are waiting hours in HOPES that they can get back across. All airports and
train stations (as I'm sure you are aware), are shut down. My one major
concern is of the many naval, airforce and marine bases stationed in San
Diego, one not far from me. I can't imagine we'll be hit, but one can't
help but wonder. I have several friends in the service, and they are ALL
on stand-by now. If you're sending prayers, I would ask they be directed
towards them.
I placed a call to my aunt in Manhattan to make sure of her safety, as she
lives all of five minutes (as the crow flys) from the towers. Amazingly,
the call went immediately through and she answered. Her only words in
description of the situation were, "It's a mess here."
If the news reports are correct, Los Angeles, about 200 miles to the north
of San Diego, may be hit next. My prayers are with the people close to
downtown and the surrounding areas.
My thanks to all my kinsman offering prayer and condolences to the
Americans.
Like Doug, I too remember the JFK Day, such a sad week in American
History.
This intolerable act of injustice and murder could have come from
anywhere. I do hope our leaders do not rush to judgement on our foreign
friends or enemies, if they are, to lay unjust blame. There are groups of
Militia in America who would not hesitate to do this malicious act against
their own kinsman to attempt to "get even with the
establishment."
Thousands of persons are dead and injured, for what purpose? Millions of
dollars lost in infrastructure. Police officers and Firefighters dead and
injured..how sad. What greed and hate would perpetrate such a travesty ?
My personal thanks to our Canadian kinspeople for being there, arms open,
to assist their neighbor to the south.
Thanks everyone, I live
near the Hudson River across from New York and was watching TV & saw
the planes hit the World Trade Center.
It's been a rough a day so many people killed.
I too remember the day JFK was shot.
Thanks Alastair & our Canadian friends & all for thinking of us
American's today.
My niece emailed us to say
that it looks like a war zone there...She is all right, but they are asked
to stay in and she said "none of us are leaving Manhattan for some
time, I'm sure." The ripple effect is going to be going on for a long
time as we realize just what businesses were in that area. I wish everyone
strength....Gina
Whilst we might be a long
way down here in OZ,from the tragedy that has been perpetrated on the
people in the US,rest assured you are in the thoughts of,i hope, all
Australians.The reaction i felt from the people i work and deal with
during my working day is utter disbelief and sympathy.
I`m sure i can say the people of Australia will support whatever decision
is made to deal with this terrible act of terrorism, and bring to justice
whoever is responsible.
Euan..
as we are in florida...united
states...we were both saddened and terrified that this has actually
happened so close and yet so tragically here...we live between three
military bases...so we are locked down tight here...we are keeping our son
close as most americans are this week...for the comfort of knowing he is
at least with us...we no longer feel safe anywhere...america used to feel
like the safest place in the world...we now know that is not true....the
whole of the country is in terror of when this will happen again and
where...we wait in held breathe to hear of where we have been hit
next...it is in true terror that i write this with the news in the
background...we are thankful for all the heartfelt condolences of everyone
on es...and ask that you keep us in your prayers....and pray for our
safety...as we do each night...it has been a terrible night and a great
loss to us...we keep seeing the planes hit the towers and the dead
count...we need your compassion now....the macfalls
We received many
emails of thanks for our tribute and are glad we were able to help in
some way. Among the many emails we received we also got a few very emotive
pictures which we were asked if we could include and are happy to do so.
This page is now a permanent part of our site as a memorial to this
terrible day in our history.