NEW YORK-Aug 5-The following statement may be attributed to September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
As family members of those lost in the attacks of 9/11/2001, we mourn with those who lost family members and dear friends at the hand of a person purported to bear a tattoo with a 9/11 emblem. Once again, we are compelled to reach out to those who have suffered directly a horrific event. We extend our friendship, our love and our solidarity as we move forward from this day.
Only two weeks ago, we wrote: It (the Colorado mass murder) reminds us that attacks similar to those that claimed our loved ones continue. In the years following the attacks of 9/11 our streets and our cities have become more dangerous as the ever present threat of violence becomes yet another public tragedy. There is no hope for peace for any of us as long as weapons and the rights to bear them overshadow our concerns for more fundamental human needs.
That we must repeat these sentiments in only this short space in time says that we are in an acute crisis of our collective spirit. When we are not free from violent acts, we cannot claim that we are a nation free. When one group is targeted as they pray, prayer is not a right for any of us. If we are not safe as we pray, we are not free to pray.
