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| London |
July 08, 2005 |
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Dear Friends,
We knew how the Brits felt on Thursday morning. We`d been there not all that long ago on our own morning of terror. A routine morning commute, the start of another ordinary day, when the course of hundreds of lives changed and thousands more were deeply affected.
In the crisis and its aftermath we saw the best in the people of London. People shocked but calm, bravely helping each other. A city getting up and going back to work on Friday morning. Determined leaders who will never bow to terrorists.
In addition to September 11th, the news from London brought me back to two other moments in time. One from history and one from life experience.
More than one person has recalled Churchill`s leadership and the bombing of London during World War II. While his admonishment to, "Never give in!" is more well known, there was another speech about London, which had endured relentless bombing that killed 20,000 people in the fall and winter of 1940-41.
In July 1941 Churchill said, "But there was one thing about which there was never any doubt. The courage, the unconquerable grit and stamina of the Londoners showed itself from the very outset. Without that all would have failed. Upon that rock, all stood unshakeable. ... If the people of London were asked to cast their vote...the people of London with one voice would say to Hitler, "... You will do your worst -- and we will do our best."
The other moment that came back to me Thursday morning was more personal.
In October 1984 the IRA bombed the seaside hotel where the entire British cabinet was staying for their party convention. I was living in England at the time and watched television with a friend from London as rescue workers dug through rubble of the collapsed building illuminated by flood lights in the darkness to save people trapped in the collapse. The following morning, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher spoke to the convention right on schedule:
"The fact that we are gathered here now -- shocked, but composed and determined -- is a sign not only that this attack has failed, but that all attempts to destroy democracy by terrorism will fail.... This government will not weaken."
Upon that rock, they are still unshakeable.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of London.
Good to be home,
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