A Love Letter to New Yorkers At 9/11

My Dearest New York Cousins:

Where can I possibly begin to thank you for making me so very proud to be an American? I watched in horror the tragedy as it unfolded on Tuesday from my home in Anaconda, Montana. I also observed in total respect and appreciation the acts of heroism, kindness, valor, and stamina portrayed by every New Yorker in view. What a remarkable breed of people you are!

Visiting your magnificent city in my youth, I felt awe at the colorful ethnicity of your metropolis. I met a fascinatingly unique cab driver who, I was sure, learned his evasive driving maneuvers in war-torn Europe during the blitzkriegs. Transferring from the taxi of a non-fluently English speaking driver to that of my Broncs-dialected “missile pilot,” I sped over curbs, barely missing pedestrians and vendors with the continually flowing narrative of expletives from my chauffeur. This somewhat rough-and-tumble off-work construction-employee handily raced me to the airport for my much-needed flight and treated me as the somewhat shell-shocked Southern lady I was. It was a grand parting gesture and trademark stamp from your fair city.

You are a people of passion and deep sense of community commitment. While watching a group of men from one of your union locals march determinedly toward the U.S. World Trade Center to volunteer in any capacity for search and rescue, I felt my heart respond to this utterly selfless act of heroism. “A life saved is one more returned,” was their cry of engagement. I know this to be but one of thousands of instances where you exhibited the best of what we as Americans represent. Your firefighters, police, public officials, and everyday citizens rose to the catastrophe and proved your most memorable place in our prayers. You, each and every one of you, are our illustrious warriors today.

Television media coverage allowed all of us throughout the country to observe the definition of courage in action. With the nightmare unfolding in dreadful wartime fashion, not a single participant in this horrendous drama faltered in achieving and demonstrating the admirable qualities of your mettle and moral strength. Neither acts of insanity nor reprehensible outflows of non-directed emotion occurred. You were bloodied, but you held your heads high and continued in the face of unbearable conflict to give your all, to give your best.

I can only hope that my fellow Montanans and I - a little more laid back in nature than you, our New York cousins - can rally to our role as Americans as brilliantly and magnificently as you have so boldly demonstrated. Thank you for reminding us of the true nature of America. Our creeds and mission statements are more than words; they embody a way of life and a profound faith in our land, our people, and our future possibilities. You make us remember that we as Americans possess well springs of energy and spirit. We all aspire to join the “Round Table of Honor.” You, our cousins, have attained the first seats of today's knights in Camelot. You are the survivors of this first battle in what is to come and you have shown us dignity, fortitude, humanity and determinism amid monumental strife. Our thoughts and prayers go to you in your losses and grief, for we share these with you. The phrase “thank you” can barely touch the periphery of our heartfelt emotions. You, our New York cousins, provide us with the treasure of enlightenment, for we once again unite in our patriotism. God Bless.