Recent events in New York City have captured the attention of all Americans. On Tuesday, we gasped in horror as the World Trade Center was reduced from a proud national icon to a ghastly pile of smoldering rubble. Since then we have grieved for all those lost souls, breathed sighs of relief along with the many survivors and struggled to find answers for the inevitable questions.

Presumably, this was meant to be a crippling blow. History tells us that governments have been toppled with much lower expenditures of blood or money. And foreigners often think of us as a bit 'soft' and very decadent. We are, after all, a nation of stubborn individuals - constitutionally entitled (and economically encouraged) to focus on ourselves instead of the group.

Of course, we do look out for #1....most days, anyway. But large-scale disasters are a different matter. They stop us in the midst of our workaday lifestyle, forcing us to reflect on how much we have in common. Much as our feelings for each other can cool a bit during carefree times, the heat of tragedy seems to galvanize us for united action.

This latest is no exception. Despite their horror and thoughts of personal safety, hundreds of police, firefighters and even civilian passersby leapt into harms way. Volunteer tradesmens & blood donors poured in, such that many were turned away by grateful, overburdened NYC officials. Now businesses are giving out cash, food and even free office space.**

Its enough to make you proud. So, on this day of remembrance I'd like to acknowledge my fellow Americans for rising to the occasion and rediscovering their higher selves in the process. The coming months will surely be difficult, but we will survive and strengthen if we stick together. A brave, caring response to calamity is the measure of a great people.

Mr F