Posted on 10/31/2004 12:29:28 PM PST by jerod
Three years ago, on the day that began as a beautiful September morning, 19 men and their sponsors carried out a brutal and devastating attack on our country, leaving 3,000 innocent men, women and children dead, including our loved ones. In those first agonizing hours, and for weeks and months afterward as we searched for word of their fate, we were aware that the shock and horror of that day was not ours alone. With a gratitude we could not yet express, we felt the strong and steady embrace of our fellow Americans. The words, “Never forget,” defiantly written in dust or humbly penned on makeshift memorials, were also permanently etched in our hearts. We will never forget your strength, your courage and your endless generosity.
We speak to you now in the same spirit that you spoke to us then, as Americans, united on behalf of our country. Like many of you, we feel that our nation is poised at a critical moment in history. Like our parents and grandparents before us, we know that the choices we make today will affect our children tomorrow. But we face a new challenge, a new kind of war and an enemy who is different from the enemies faced by earlier generations. This is not an adversary who can be reasoned with or appeased, this is an adversary who has repeatedly demonstrated that its means and ends are one and the same: the wanton slaughter of innocents.
After the attack, President Bush articulated the primary lesson of September 11, that simply reacting to danger after lives are lost is a weak and unacceptable national defense. He believes that taking the fight to the enemy is the best way to ensure that the enemy will not bring death to our doorstep here at home.
We agree.
Under the President‘s strong leadership in the war on terror and through the heroic efforts of our military forces, we are a safer country today. Two-thirds of al Qaeda leadership is dead, incarcerated, or on the run, its financing disrupted. The Taliban has been removed from power and training camps in Afghanistan and Iraq have been eliminated. On the domestic front, our dedicated law enforcement agencies are finally able to fight terror the same way they go after drug cartels; terrorists and terrorist cells have been thwarted in upstate New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Illinois and Florida.
The 9/11 Commission has provided this nation with a solid blueprint for going forward in the war on terror. It described the threat that killed our loved ones as a “gathering storm” which went unrecognized and unchecked for too many years and characterized the inability to predict the attack itself as a “failure of imagination.” Looking forward, the Commission offered this pointed warning, “Once the danger has fully materialized, evident to all, mobilizing action is easier--but it then may be too late.”
Through the prism of 9/11 and presaging the Commission’s conclusion, President Bush looked at Iraq and Saddam Hussein’s history, his willingness to use chemical weapons in the mass murder of his own citizens, his notorious attempts to acquire nuclear weapons, his record of giving financial aid and sanctuary to global terrorists--including members of al Qaeda--and his repeated refusal to cooperate with U.N. inspectors. He determined that this repressive regime was an intolerable danger to our country. Rather than waiting until it was too late to prevent a fully materialized threat, the President acted. We believe history will support the President’s decision.
We speak to you from the heart, as citizens from all across the country and every political stripe. We are Republicans and Democrats, “liberals” and “conservatives,” young and old. We are mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters and friends. We speak out from a profound sense of obligation to those we have lost and to the country that we love. Guided by core principles, President Bush has steadfastly told us who he is, what he believes and what he will fight for. He is a caring and decisive leader who is not afraid to make hard choices to keep this nation safe, by keeping it strong. He has sent a clear message to America’s friends and foes that he will not waver in his resolve as the winds of political fortune change. He will not revert to the failed policies of the past which only served to whet the appetite of those who would destroy us. He will stand firm against our adversaries.
As Americans who have keenly felt the scourge of terrorism, we are inspired and energized to follow the President’s lead, to rise to the occasion and get the job done. We are deeply grateful to President Bush, who rallied this nation on that dark September day, who has earned our respect and confidence, and whose leadership we trust to steer this country on the right path.
Three years ago, George W. Bush stood with us and vowed that he would “Never forget.”
We stand with him now.
CPT John Vigiano, FDNY (ret.) father of FF John T Vigiano, Ladder 132/FDNY, WTC attack & DET Joseph V. Vigiano ESU 7, NYPD, WTC attack
Ken and Laura Olson Son and Daughter in Law of Barbara Olson, AA 77 Pentagon attack, Ashburn, Virginia
Deena B. Burnett Wife of Tom Burnett, UA flight 93, Shanksville rebellion Little Rock, AR
Hamilton Peterson & Julia Croft Son & daughter-in-law Douglas & Jean Hamilton UA 93, Shanksville rebellion
Nancy & Charles Burcham Sister of Stephen V. Long Maj, Army, Pentagon attack Danville, IN
Sue and Jim Weaver Mother of Stephen Long Maj, Army, Pentagon attack Hazelwood, IN
Lynn Faulkner and Loren and Ashley Faulkner husband and daughters of Wendy Ruth Faulkner VP, AON Corporation 104th Floor, 2 WTC
Debra Burlingame & Bob Fraina Sister of Charles Burlingame Capt, AA 77, Pentagon attack Pelham Manor, NY
Mark & Anine Burlingame Brother of Charles Burlingame Capt, AA 77, Pentagon attack Philadelphia, PA
Jackie & Wayne Burlingame Aunt/uncle of Charles Burlingame Capt, AA 77, Pentagon attack
Robert & Suzanne Peraza Parents of Robert David Peraza Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack Mason, Ohio
Ada Garland Godmother to Robert David Peraza Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Rob and Joan Burton brother-in-law & sister to Robert D. Peraza Cantor Fitzgerald, 105th FL,
Maria Elenbaas Cousin to Robert David Peraza Cantor Fitzgerald, WTCWTC 1
Bill and Linda Comber Uncle and Aunt of Robert David Peraza Cantor Fitzgerald, 105th FL, WTC 1
Cornelius J. Comber Grandfather of Robert Peraza Cantor Fitzgerald, 105th FL, WTC 1
Neil Peraza, brother of Robert David Peraza Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC 1
Ernest and Mary Ann Strada Parents of Thomas S. Strada Canter Fitzgerald, WTC attack Westbury, NY
Susan Cronin Sister of Thomas S. Strada Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack Westbury, NY
Michael Strada Brother of Thomas S. Strada Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Joseph Strada Brother of Thomas S. Strada Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Dolores and Peter Owens, Sr. Parents of Peter Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack East Williston, NY
John Owens Brother of Peter Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack Mineola, NY
Pam & Tom Gould Daughter of Patrick Driscoll UA 93, Shanksville rebellion Allendale, NJ
Nora, Steve & Christine Coco sister, brother-in-law, & niece of LT Joseph G. Leavey Ladder 15, FDNY, WTC
Patty & Tim Sumner sister & brother-in-law of LT Joseph G. Leavey Ladder 15, FDNY, WTC
Barry K. Gore Brother of Jennifer Lewis Brother-in-law of Ken Lewis crew members, AA Flight 77 Pentagon attack
Karen Coakley Struzik & Husband Gary Struzik Cousin of Kenny and Jennifer Lewis Crew, AA 77, Pentagon Attack Potomac Falls, VA
Thomas A. Crawford, III Orange County, CA Cousin of Michael A. Uliano, WTC attack
Bernice Dowdy Coakley Aunt of Kenny Lewis and his wife Jennifer crew members, AA Flight 77 Pentagon attack
Lorraine & Andrew Klein Denver, Colorado Cousin to Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Loretta O'Brien Cousin of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Margret O'Brien Cousin of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Chris Whitford Brother of Firefighter Mark Whitford Engine 23, FDNY, WTC
Dominic J. Puopolo, Jr. Son of Sonia Morales Puopolo Passenger AA 11, WTC 1 Miami Beach, FL
Wendy D. Burlingame Daughter of Capt Charles Burlingame Flight 77 Pentagon attack
Dr. Craig W. Sincock Husband of Cheryle D. Sincock Dept of Army civilian Pentagon attack
Claire Cunningham Aunt of Peter J. Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Daniel McDonnell Uncle of Peter J. Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack.
Thomas Owens Brother of Peter J. Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack.
Edward R. Cunningham Cousin of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Claire Y. Cunningham Aunt of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Greg and Moira Pellegrino Cousin of Kenny and Jennifer Lewis crew, AA flight 77, Pentagon attack
Mary & Richard Busche Cousin of Peter Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Lois Olmstead Cousin of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
David B. Faulk Brother-in-law of Major Steve Long, Army Pentagon attack
Brian Grauer Brother-in-law of Michael Horn Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Dominic & Patricia Schiavo father-in-law and mother-in-law of Jack L. D'Ambrosi Cantor Fitzgerald 103 floor, WTC attack
Lauryn Haffner Sister-in-law of Peter J. Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Agnes Maida, Aunt of Howard G. Gelling Sandler O'Neill WTC, South Twr, 104th FL
Gail Skennion extended family of LT Joseph G. Leavey, Ladder 15, FDNY
Jason Fox Friend of Charles Droz and William Caswell, AA Flight 77
Brad & Diane Senter President of the USS Saratoga Association and former shipmate of Charles "Chic" Burlingame
COL John F. McCall USAF Friend of Charles "Chic" Burlingame Capt. AA flt 77
Katherine Harrs Family friend of Thomas S. Strada Canter Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Mike Cohen Naval Academy classmate of Chic Burlingame, Capt. AA flt 77
Joe & Joan Olexa Friends of Burlingame family for 40+ years and Charles Burlingame, Capt. AA flt 77
Mike & Barb Miller Friends of Vic Saracini, Capt, UA flt 175 and Chic Burlingame, Capt. AA flt 77
Terry Arford Friend of Chick Burlingame, Captain of AA flt 77, and fellow member of the Anaheim Band
Marshall & Pamela Stomel Friends of family of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC
Blanton & Meissa Gentry Friends of family of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack
John and Julia Chan Peoria, IL, parents of Charles Lawrence "Chip" Chan Cantor Fitzgerald, 105th Fl, 1 WTC
William Lang II Father of Roseanne Lang Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC and grandfather of Brendan Lang, WTC
William Lang III Father of Brendan Lang WTC North Tower and brother of Roseanne Lang Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC
Linda & Tom Wilkonski Cousin of Roseanne Lang, WTC and Brenden Lang, WTC
Edward W. McGrain Uncle to the wife of Paul Tegtmeier Engine 4, FDNY, WTC
John Antretter Friend/Brother of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC
Judy and Ron Knight Sister & brother-in-law of Frank Wisniewski, VP, Cantor Fitzgerald, 104th Floor, WTC
Michael Nott Friend of Charles Burlingame Capt, AA 77, Pentagon attack Orlando, FL
Mike & Maria Ragonese Brother & sister-in-law of Laura Marie Ragonese-Snik AON Consultant, 101 Floor South Tower, WTC
Loisanne, Jason, and Jeannette Diehl, wife and children of Michael D. Diehl VP, Fiduciary Trust CO. International, 2 WTC
Nancy K. Nee Grieving sister of George C. Cain FDNY, Ladder 7, Marriott Hotel, WTC
Rosemary Cain Mother of FF George C. Cain FDNY, Ladder 7, Marriott Hotel, WTC
Leslie Dimmling, Wife of William Dimmling, Senior VP, Marsh McLennan North Tower, WTC
Bill McGough Cousin to Kaleen Pezzuti and Todd Pelino, Cantor Fitzgerald, 1 WTC, 101st floor
Walter Hamilton Son of Felicia Hamilton Fiduciary Trust, South Tower, WTC
Frank Mistretta, NYPD (retired) Friend and former coworker of SGT Timothy Roy, NYPD, WTC
Jean Waletich Cousin of Patrick S. Dunn Commander, USN, Pentagon
Carey Pierce Brother of Dennis J. Pierce Senior Auditor, NYS Dept of Taxation South Tower, 86th Floor
Julius Zodda Cousin of William Dimmling, Senior VP, Marsh McLennan North Tower, WTC
Michael Field Sigma Chi fraternity brother, University of Wisconsin, of Kevin Francis Cleary Broker, Euro Brokers Inc., WTC
Jeffrey Namm Godfather of James Andrew Gadiel Cantor Fitzgerald 103d Floor, North Tower, WTC
Maureen Morrison Cousin To Ronald J. Hemenway ET1, Navy, Pentagon attack
Patricia & Raymond Sellek Sister & Brother-in-law of Wilson & Darlene Flagg AA 77, Pentagon Attack
Paul and Nassima Wachtler parents of Gregory Kamal Bruno Wachtler Fred Alger Management North Tower, 93rd fl
Barbara E. Lang, friend of Robert C. Miller, Aon Corp., WTC and SGT Thomas E. Jurgens, NY State Court Officer, WTC
Ken Haskell, Brother of FF Tim Haskell, Squad 18 and Battalion Chief Tom Haskell FDNY, WTC
Brian Kevin Smith Son of murdered Firefighter Kevin J. Smith FDNY, Haz-Mat Company 1 North Tower, WTC Arlene Howard Mother of Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Officer George Gerard Howard JFK ESU unit 8, WTC Tower 1
Christopher Howard Son of Port Authority Police Officer George Gerard Howard JFK ESU truck 8, WTC Tower 1
Jimmy Boyle Father of Michael Boyle FDNY Engine 33, WTC attack Westbury, NY
Marc & Michelle Flagg Son of Wilson & Darlene Flagg AA 77, Pentagon attack Florida
Michael and Mary Flagg Son of Wilson & Darlene Flagg AA 77, Pentagon attack Winchester, VA
Bob & Brit Gore Parents and in-laws of Jennifer & Kenneth Lewis Crew, AA 77, Pentagon attack
Robert & Dawn Hemenway Brother of Ronald J. Hemenway ET1 Navy, Pentagon attack
Capt. Tom Lombardo Friend of Charles Burlingame Capt, AA 77, Pentagon attack Gainesville, VA
Bart & Susan Whitman Friend of Charles Burlingame Pilot, AA flt. 77, Pentagon attack Alexandria, VA
Kathryn Griffin Friend of Charles F. Burlingame Capt, AA 77, Pentagon attack Washington, D.C.
Charles & Nancy Burcham Faulk Brother in-law & Sister of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack Danville, IN
Sue & James Weaver Mother & Stepfather of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon attack Hazelwood, IN
George Long Father of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon attack Martinsville, IN
Sharon Miles Aunt of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack Montrose, CO
Connie Mastin Aunt of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon attack Hayward, WI
Tina Long Wife of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack Augusta, GA
Phil & Lynn Danforth Uncle/Aunt of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon attack Overland Park, KS
Jennifer Iannotti Sister of Thomas S. Strada Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Robert & Shirley Hemenway Parents of Ronald J. Hemenway, ET1, Navy, Pentagon attack Shawnee, KS
Betsy A. Gore Sister-in-law of Jennifer and Ken Lewis crew members, AA Flight 77 Pentagon attack
Linda Pohlmann Wife of William H. Pohlmann NYS Taxation Dept WTC attack
Dr & Mrs Kenneth Paul Ambrose Parents of Paul Wesley Ambrose, M.D., MPH, Sr. Clinical Advisor to Surgeon General Satcher AA Flight 77 Pentagon
Denis and Suzana Coakley Cousin and cousin-in-law of Ken and Jennifer Lewis, AA crew members, Pentagon
Ray and Kathy Campbell Yankton South Dakota Cousin (Ray) to Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC
Elizabeth Stanton Cousin of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Susan Weaver Hazelwood, IN Step-Sister of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon
Bernard & Patricia Welsh Cousin of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Jana Y. Lovick Family friend of Major Stephen V. Long Army, Pentagon Attack
Catherine T. Puwalski Friend of Strada Family in Memory of Thomas S. Strada Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack Westbury, NY
Noreen and Jim Considine Aunt and Uncle of Peter J. Owens Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC
Diane Edwards her husband is the cousin of Dennis M. Edwards Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC
Nancy and Tom Mulligan Parents of Peter James Mulligan Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Terence & Joan Owens Brother of Peter J. Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack.
Kevin & Lorraine Owens Brother of Peter J. Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack.
Elizabeth Stanton Cousin of Peter J. Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Thomas Stanton Cousin of Peter J. Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Elizabeth Stanton Cousin of Peter J. Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
David Coakley Cousin of Kenny Lewis and his wife Jennifer crew, AA Flight 77, Pentagon attack
Bernard and Patricia Welsh Cousin of Peter Owens Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Kathleen Leone Cousin of Peter Owens Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Kevin J. Welsh Cousin of Peter Owens Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Joanne McMahon Cousin of Peter J. Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Kate Owens Sister-in-law of Peter J. Owens, Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC
Juan A. Cruz-Santiago Civilian Accountant US Army, Pentagon Survivor
Barbara and Sean Bailey Aunt and Uncle of Brett Bailey, who along with their niece's husband, Robert Coll, died in the North Tower
Jordan Cayne Father of Jason David Cayne VP, Cantor Fitzgerald 104 floor, WTC attack
Robert Debrot Cousin to Howard Gelling Jr. WTC attack
Jack Debrot Cousin of Howard Gelling WTC attack
Lynne (last name withheld at submitter's request) Cousin of Ricardo Quinn FDNY Paramedic, WTC attack
Ed Lamadore, friend of FDNY firefighters Ken Hatten, Ed Sweeney, Bill Burke, & Joe Spor who each lost sons in the WTC attack
Jean Pangarliotas Friend of family of Peter Owen Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
Jennifer Taddeo Friend of family of Peter Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC
Cindy Justice Friend of family of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack
Becky Marsh Friend of family of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack
Sherry M. Allen Friend of family of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack
Bill Brown (retired American Airlines pilot) Friends of crews members of both America Airlines flights 11 and 77
C. R. (Bob) Paty Friend of Captain Chic Burlingame AA Flight 77
Nancy Thompson Friend of family of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack
Louise Hoffman Friend of family of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack
Michelle, Chris & Lisa Hornbaker Sister, Nephew, & Niece of Stephen V. Long Major, Army, Pentagon Attack Martinsville, Indiana
Richard P. Lang Brother of Roseanne Lang Cantor Fitzergald, WTC Uncle of Brenden Lang, WTC
Timothy J Lang Brother of Rosanne P. Lang, WTC, and Uncle of Brendan Lang Structuretone Inc., WTC
Andrew Caspersen Boyfriend of Catherine F. MacRae Fred Alger Management 93rd Floor, 1 WTC
Robert Heller Brother of H. Joseph Heller Carr Futures, 1 WTC
Colleen and Rob Rastovich Sister and Brother-in-law of H. Joseph Heller Carr Futures, 1 WTC
Robert & Peggy Scandole Parents of Robert Scandole Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC Attack
NYPD Detective Christopher Scandole Brother of Robert Scandole Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC
Thomasine Aberle Aunt of Robert Scandole Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC Attack
Vincent Scandole Uncle of Robert Scandole Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC Attack
Maria Cella Niece of H. Joseph Heller Carr Futures, 1 WTC
Roberta Heller Mother of H.Joseph Heller Carr Futures, 1 WTC
Patrick Michael Heller and his wife, Corie, Cousin to H. Joseph Heller Carr Futures, 1 WTC
Police Officer David Lim Port Authority Police K-9 Unit, Handler & friend of K-9 Sirius #17 Killed in 2 WTC (B-1 level)
Anthony & Mary Ellen DiBona Friends of Captain Charles "Chic" Burlingame American Airlines Flight 77
Stephanie L. Capps Niece of Linda L. New Girlfriend of FF Steven Coakley, Firehouse 217, 1 WTC
David Huczko Brother of Port Authority Police Office Stephen Huczko, North Tower, WTC and brother of Richard Huczko, GE contractor, who was killed in Iraq 3/29/2004
Christopher F. O'Conor Cousin of Patrick S. Dunn Commander, USN, Pentagon
Patricia A. O'Conor Aunt of Patrick S. Dunn CDR, USN, Pentagon
Stephen F. O'Conor Cousin of Patrick S. Dunn Commander, USN, Pentagon
Patricia D. and Richard J. Clark Parents of Thomas "Tommy" R. Clark VP, Sandler O'Neill 104th Fl, South Tower, WTC
Maureen and John Harrigan Cousin (Maureen) of Peter J. Owens Cantor Fitzgerald, WTC attack
James and Marie McMahon Cousins of Peter J. Owens Jr. Cantor Fitzgerald - North Tower WTC
J.T. McMahon Cousin of Peter J. Owens Cantor Fitzgerald - WTC Attack
Bert Wooley Brother of CPT David T. Wooley FDNY, Ladder 4 Engine 54, South Tower, WTC
Mary Otto Mother of CPT David T. Wooley FDNY, Ladder 4 Engine 54, South Tower, WTC
Patricia Brennan Aunt of FF Michael Brennan FDNY, Ladder 4 Marriott Hotel, WTC
Charles Barberi, Sgt, NYPD Cousin to Edward Strauss Port Authority of NY & NJ South Tower, WTC
Jim & Joan Sullivan Parents of Lt. Christopher P. Sullivan FDNY, Ladder 111 WTC, South Tower
Heidi Hochwarth Sister-in-law of Firefighter Kenneth Marino FDNY, Rescue 1, WTC
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There must be a typo. I'm not seeing Kristen Breitweiser.
Do you happen to know when this hit the website?
No idea. I just noticed it there, there's no date. But it should be posted everyday.
Where have they been for the last 3 years?
It must have been recent. I was hoping for this back in August....in conjunction with the R convention. Oh well, better late than never.
Not getting coverage. There was a letter supporting Bush from 9/11 families (probably the same as these or mostly) about the time the Jersey Girls apparently took out their copyright. I believe it was in the NY Post, but it pretty much sank without a trace, in large part due to the MSM, but probably also because these people have lives to go on with, not a political agenda.
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