Golden News
Volume 15 - Special Edition - Friday 14 September 2001
America's Darkest Hour
Editor's Commentary:
 
SorrowI have failed as a Rotarian. When I became aware of the horrific events which occurred on Tuesday 11 September 2001 in New York and Washington, the furthest things from my mind were peace, goodwill and understanding.
 
Instead of turning my thoughts to sorrow for the victims and their families, after overcoming my initial shock and disbelief, my compassion was numbed by a sheer rage which enveloped me, coupled with an overwhelming need for retaliation against those responsible for such despicable acts against humanity. Four days on, rage continues to dominate my thoughts. I have failed as a Rotarian.

Although Americans clearly suffered the brunt of the attack, nationals of many other countries were also victims. This was an attack against me, my family and my country. It was an attack against you, your family and your country. It was an attack against Mankind.

While we must undoubtedly unite to assist those who have suffered and lost so much, we must also pull together to eradicate terrorism from the face of the earth. If this means we must endure greater inconvenience when we travel, so be it. If it means we must sacrifice some of our freedoms to ensure the safety of our families, then so be it. This is a small price to pay to assist our law enforcement officers to do their jobs.

I may have failed as a Rotarian, but I am first and foremost a human. The people who launched these attacks are not. They are insidious diseases, no different to Polio, and they too must be eradicated.

A Message from New York: 
 
I received the following email message on 12 September 2001:
 
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
 
We are keeping touch with each other to face this traumatic situation in a meaningful way. We have contacted Rotary International and are waiting to hear from them. As Rotarians we will think of ways to help our community within the next few days.
 
What we can do right now is help our neighbors and help each other in any way possible. This country has gone through two World Wars. We will handle this also.
 
Keep the faith,
 
Your President,
A Message from Washington:  
 
The following message was sent to Jack Selway, Webmaster of the Rotary's First 100 Clubs website:
 
 
Dear Jack,
 
Certainly, the NY tragedies were much more catastrophic and graphic. Had the fourth plane not gone done in Pennsylvania, DC might have looked much worst.
 
At this point, only one of our members from the Pentagon is unaccounted for, though it's not likely he was in the devastated part of the building. In the midst of the confusion, I canceled this week's meeting as it was not clear whether the Secret Service would let us into the hotel. As it turned out, they have posted guards around the area, but they are allowing un-restricted travel.
 
Even with our membership intact, we have all lost friends and colleagues. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
 
Tim Hanson
A Message from RI President Rick King:
 
On behalf of 1.2 million Rotarians in 163 countries of the world, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and families of the tragic events of 11 September 2001. At this early stage, we do not yet know what losses our own Rotary family may have experienced, but I am quite certain that all Rotarians stand united in offering sympathy and support in these difficult times.
 
Since this tragedy occurred in the country where our world headquarters is located, Rotary International has received an outpouring of concern from Rotarians throughout the world. To share these concerns and condolences with other members of the Rotary family, we have put these messages on our Web site. This Web page will remain on the site permanently to allow Rotarians to respond to the future disasters that seem almost inevitable in our troubled world.
 
Many Rotarians have asked us how they can help. We strongly encourage Rotarians to turn to their own individual clubs or local districts for guidance. In the days and weeks ahead, clubs and districts in the New York and Washington, D.C., areas will undoubtedly begin initiating projects to help their communities recover. If you or your club want to provide assistance, the best way is to contact these clubs directly through your own district. Meanwhile, we are suggesting that Rotarians or Rotary clubs consider working with the Red Cross and other organizations that are equipped to respond quickly to such disasters.
 
These events demonstrate all the more the importance of keeping our organization growing and thriving. Where Rotary exists in the world, there is a greater chance for peace. By swelling the ranks of Rotarians dedicated to peace, we can further strengthen Rotary's mission to foster international understanding and goodwill. 
 
Sincerely,
Richard King
President
Rotary International
 
KGM Web Site:

An expression of condolence has been added to the KGM web site as well as a link to make cash contributions through the American Red Cross.
 
Quotable Quotes:

"Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow."

-- Dwight D. Eisenhower --
 
 
 

The Phantom
 

If you no longer wish to receive this bulletin each week, click here. For previous issues of the bulletin (or to view them in their full HTML glory), visit our archives. © 2001 Rotary Club of Kowloon Golden Mile. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of any other member of the club.