over and that their country will need prayers and other support from many nations. On Monday March 11, President George W. Bush asked God to bless all countries that are currently part of the anti-terror efforts.
He spoke exactly 6 months after the day when at least 3,000 people were killed as hijacked air planes hit the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington. A fourth hijacked airliner crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.
Speaking at the White House in front of survivors, soldiers, diplomats and many others Bush did not end his speech with his standard "God bless America". Instead he said "God bless our coalition," a clear reference to the dozens of countries that are believed to be involved in the war against terrorism.
"TRIBUTE IN LIGHT"
Elsewhere, in New York, at the site that was once the World Trade Center, a "Tribute in Light," was aimed at the heavens, marking the passage of six months since airliner terrorist attacks claimed thousands of lives.
12-year old Valerie Webb, the daughter of a Port Authority police officer killed in the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, pulled the switch to turn on the display. "Dignity, grace and patience of [the victims’] families have been an example for our nation and the world," said President Bush in a letter that was read by New York Major Michael R. Bloomberg.
"This is just a temporary memorial," the New York Post quoted Bloomberg as saying. "The real memorial will be in our hearts," he said about The Tribute that will shine each night through April 13. Construction worker Thomas Spagnuolo, who’s been doing utility work near Ground Zero, told the New York Post that "it shows everybody in the world we aren’t giving up."
HOPE FROM ASHES
That view was reflected by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld who marked the six months by meeting with military leaders from the nations in the anti-terrorism coalition. "From the ashes, hope springs," Rumsfeld said after showing the officers the reconstruction work at the Pentagon.
In Shanksville, Pa., near where the fourth airliner crashed, church bells began to toll at 10:06 a.m. ET in honor of each victim aboard United Flight 93. Calls from people on the flight to loved ones suggested that the passengers confronted the hijackers, leading to the crash in a field instead of a high-profile target.
