The National Conference of Viet Nam Veteran Ministers, meeting in Racine, WI, October 8 to
October 12, 2001, and after prayerful reflection, issued the following statement:
With shock and dismay, we joined millions around the world as we learned about and watched,
and re-watched, the tragic events of September 11th. Our hearts were broken as we heard the
casualty figures from the Pentagon, New York City, and Pennsylvania rise and rise. We wish to
formally express our thanks to and our admiration for the rescue workers who responded to the
initial events and all those who have continued to offer ongoing assistance in so many different ways.
We also express our sorrow over the many lives lost, and join with people of all nations and faiths
as we mourn and grieve. Surely our Creator hears each sob and shares each tear. We are
saddened that the people of the United States of America are now experiencing the ravages of
destruction. War, fighting, and terrorism had always seemed to be so far away. No more.
We are concerned that, in a rush to enforce security, some citizens whom we proudly acknowledge as brothers or sisters are now the subjects of suspicion based solely on appearance or connection with a faith community. This is wrong.
We wish to assure the leaders of the United States of America and its coalition partners of our prayers for them as they seek to form and implement appropriate responses.
We also wish to assure the men and women (as well as their families) who will be called upon to
make such responses as our leaders see fit of our concern for them and their well-being, that we
pray for their safety, and that we will be here to welcome them home.
Return to Peace and Justice Statements.