Written by Kathleen Kenney (Emmett's granddaughter, Betty's daughter)
Today I am just another American wearing my heart on my sleeve.
A heart that like many others, is heavy with grief. I did not know anyone in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon or any of the flights involved in this week’s tragedy. However, I have something to say and my words are fueled by overwhelming emotion – emotions that have churning inside of me since Tuesday. Emotions whose intensity have surprised and confused me, and at times, have made me wonder if I’m o.k. Emotions that have compelled me to speak, in an effort to make sense of something beyond comprehension. I thank God I live in a country where I have the freedom to do that. It is a freedom I do not take for granted.
TO THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES
You are not alone in your grief. Although my family is intact, I am acutely aware that yours is not. I do not presume to imagine the depth of your anguish, or pretend to have the words to comfort you, but I still want to.
I know there are no words and every action feels inadequate. But, nonetheless, there is a quiet desperation inside of me seeking to find a voice. So, I continue to grabble and grope for ways to express and display my heartfelt sympathy. I fly my flag, I light a candle and I pray to God for you. And so do countless families across the grief-stricken nation and around the world.
And I cry. I’ve cried a lot this week, which surprises me. With every tear I shed, I think about you and I am sure there are not enough tears in the world to ease your sorrow. But I hope that when the world cries, you taste salt.
With all my feeble efforts to help, I believe that the most compassionate and effective action I can take is prayer. I ask God to be with you and to comfort you in your darkest hour. I pray that the ultimate outcome of this tragedy may be the end of terrorism worldwide. Then maybe you can rest assured that your loved ones did not die in vain. I pray that you may come to share the sentiments of the wife of one of the victims of United Flight 93. She said, “my husband died for a higher purpose and I find comfort in that.” I pray that you find comfort wherever you can.
TO THE RESCUE WORKERS
You who are at ground zero are the heart and soul of America. You are the freedom fighters on the front lines. As the world watches your valiant efforts, our hearts swell with pride, for you exemplify everything that is good about humanity. Your courage and compassion are unmatched. You are the personification of patriotism, and at this moment in time, no greater role model exists for the children of this country. You are super heroes, each and every one of you.
TO THE TERRORISTS
To the remaining terrorists who are watching and waiting for this country’s response to their despicable and deplorable actions, here is it . . . YOU HAVE UNDERESTIMATED THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Your acts of cowardice caught us off guard on Tuesday, but make no mistake about it, we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD and that makes us more powerful and formidable than you know.
TO THE WORLD
The image of a vacuous, smoldering hole in The World Trade Center shocked us all, but it pales in comparison to the sadness and anger this country feels over the gaping hole that exists in thousands of American families.
Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters are wondering the streets of New York looking for their loved ones. The number of people who are missing or deceased is staggering; the personal stories coming out of the debris are heart wrenching. As we helplessly watch, this is taking an emotional toll on all of us.
We may appear to be a conglomeration of states, diverse and fragmented by different faiths, backgrounds and ethnicities – but don’t let appearances deceive you. In last year’s election, we may have appeared to be a country divided, Republicans versus Democrats, verbal and volatile in partisanship, but look again. At the core of our diversity, we are a nation of families and friends who are reeling in grief, but united in resolve and determination.
Yes, we are an impassioned people, sometimes embarrassingly conspicuous in our disparate beliefs, opinions and lifestyles. But the simple fact that we have the right to do so is what makes us great. It’s called Freedom and we believe it is everyone’s inalienable right. We are a nation standing together in our commitment to preserve that freedom.
To those of you around the world who have shared our sadness and offered your condolences, we are deeply moved. You have put the face of humanity on our pain, and we are grateful for your outpouring of sympathy. We ask you to support us in our fight for Freedom and Justice. We implore you to join us in our quest of World Peace.
I have seen what the collective efforts of the human spirit, united for the greater good, can accomplish. I believe in God and the power of prayer. And I hold out hope that our shared sorrow will evolve into a show of solidarity and unity that will transform the world. I pray that God will guide our world leaders and watch over us during this critical time.