Thousands gather here to remember victims

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By Laura Johnston ~ Southeast Missourian

Dressed in patriotic colors of red, white and blue, wearing ribbons on their collars or carrying flags, thousands gathered inside the Show Me Center Thursday night to remember victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America.

Some shed tears and held one another closely as they tried to cope with the nation's loss.

More than 6,300 people are still counted as missing and hundreds more died when two hijacked planes slammed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, another was flown into the Pentagon and a fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers overtook the hijackers.

The Cape Girardeau interfaith service, which included hymns and anthems, prayer and a candlelight memorial, helped the community bear its burdens after the attacks, said the Rev. Clayton Smith, president of the Cape Girardeau Ministerial Alliance, which helped organize the service.

The people in the area needed the service to develop a sense of strength and purpose, Smith said. "This was something we could do that was good in the face of so much bad."

Cheryl Hanschen of Jackson, Mo., agreed that people need the support of one another. "We needed to see that we are united and we are strong when we are united."

Pastors and civic leaders called on the audience to help America remain the beacon of freedom, justice and tolerance that built this great nation. The message was echoed later in a televised speech by President Bush. About 300 people stayed after the hour-long service to watch the president at the Show Me Center.

No compassion

Dr. Khursheed Zia, representing the Islamic Center in Cape Girardeau, said even Allah does not show compassion to those who show no compassion for humankind. He condemned the attacks as un-Islamic and inhumane. A round of applause erupted after his words.

America needs to unite as a people of all faiths and courage to overcome the tragedy, said John Hudak, executive director of the Community Counseling Center.

He said: "If it's purpose was to divide us, it has only brought us together. If it's purpose was to cause fear, it has built our confidence in one another. If it was meant to weaken us, it has made us strong."

But in that strength and courage, the nation still struggles to answer difficult questions about why the attacks happened, said Dr. Mark Kinder, a psychologist with St. Francis Medical Center. He urged children and adults to find ways to cope with the tragedy. Adults must take care of themselves to better care for the nation's children, he said.

In a prayer for the children, the Rev. John Rice asked for a day when "our children's children may never be afraid."

While Americans try to answer difficult questions, it is important they find peaceful ways to resolve differences and bring sanity to the world, said the Rev. J. Friedel of Catholic Campus Ministries.

The service ended with candlelight and a sounding of the last alarm. Firefighters from around the region mourned the loss of more than 300 New York firefighters. A fire engine and police car were parked behind the stage, both draped in black.

Travis Sheppard, a volunteer firefighter with the Fruitland Fire District, said the loss has been felt here.

"We're a brotherhood, and I'm not even sure how to explain it," he said. "When we lose one, 5,000 hearts break because of it."

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126

[ Click here to browse photos from the event ]