Missouri mourns victims of terrorist attacks

Associated Press WriterJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Before church bells across Missouri rang out to honor attack victims, Gov. Bob Holden on Friday honored those who died in the terrorist crashes in New York and Washington.

Holden was to be joined by other ministers at a non-denominational service on the state Capitol's north steps overlooking the Missouri River.

The service was to be preceded by the continuous ringing of church bells from 11:55 a.m. until noon statewide.

The Missouri National Guard was providing a color guard and there were planned moments of silence and prayer, along with scheduled readings and remarks from clergy.

"We pray for those we have lost that they may find eternal rest with our God. We pray for those who are missing that they may be returned to their loved ones. We pray for those who are suffering that they may find peace," Holden said in prepared remarks. "We pray for justice that those who have perpetrated this evil atrocity upon humanity be found and delivered to the authorities."

Holden praised the efforts of volunteers, including those from Missouri who have gone to the disaster sites to assist rescue efforts.

"We have been part of an enormous outpouring of charity," Holden said.

The governor also called for tolerance and denounced those who would target innocent Muslims in anger. Holden urged understanding and strength.

"So we also pray that our citizens everywhere would remember that love of America wears no color, faith, or creed," Holden said.

Inside the Capitol, some lawmakers took to the third floor rotunda to sing hymns including "America the Beautiful" as crowds below listened in silence before applauding.

Members of the Legislature were to halt work on a special session to attend the service. Law enforcement strolled Capitol hallways to maintain increased security.

Employers in Missouri and across the nation were encouraged to allow workers to attend services.

Meanwhile, the state Board of Education encouraged schools to remain open while leaving the final decision up to local school districts.

"We believe the safest, most reassuring place for children to be during this time of mourning is in school, with their teachers and classmates," said Kent King, commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. "This terrible event offers great opportunities for teachers and schools to put this tragedy into an educational and historical context for students of different ages."

King said he supported decisions by local school districts to resume sports and other extracurricular activities.

"One of the best things we can do to reassure our young people and bring communities together in this time of tragedy is to resume normal activities," King said.

Schools that decide not to hold classes Friday will be expected to make up the lost day, King said.

------On the Net:

Governor's Office: http://www.gov.state.mo.us

Education Department: http://www.dese.state.mo.us