People gather in pride, prayer
Published 9:00 pm Friday, September 14, 2001
Associated Press
SEATTLE — Thousands of people gathered around the state Friday to bow their heads, wave flags in solidarity and cry, joining a national day of remembrance for victims of the terror attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
Many wept openly during a moment of silence just after noon.
"The cities of America can never be darkened," Gov. Gary Locke told a crowd of 15,000 in Seattle’s downtown Westlake Plaza. "We’ve been attacked by outside terrorists, but we stand united within."
Members of the crowd joined a gospel choir in spirited renditions of "Amazing Grace" and "God Bless America."
Similar gatherings were held around the state, more than 7,000 turned out in Bellingham, as residents struggled to cope with Tuesday’s blows.
"We’re going to come out of this stronger, better than ever before," said Cody Arledge of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, which organized an Olympia rally attended by about 1,000 people.
Across the nation, patriotism mixed with prayer Friday as Americans packed churches and clogged public squares on a day of remembrance for the victims of this week’s sneak attacks. At dusk, the flicker of candles illuminated city streets, as people responded to call for unity spread on the Internet.
Mourners at St. Paul’s Church in Concord, N.H., called out the names of loved ones missing or hurt in the destruction. Outside, a crowd softly sang "Amazing Grace."
Thousands in Chicago’s Daley Center Plaza waved American flags and chanted "USA! USA!"
Midday services gave way to vigils in the evening. A widespread Internet message urged people to light candles and "show the world that Americans are strong and united together against terrorism."
Untold numbers answered the call: all over New York, in Boston, in Birmingham, Ala. and elsewhere.
On the Las Vegas Strip, several marquees that usually advertise entertainers’ names instead featured flags with the message "God Bless America" or "One Nation Under God."
The mighty gathered in Washington, D.C. President Bush, who called for the day of remembrance, attended a service at the majestic National Cathedral with a who’s who of American politics, including four former presidents.
"This nation is peaceful, but fierce when stirred to anger," Bush said. "This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others; it will end in a way and at an hour of our choosing."
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