The horrific terrorist actions of Sept. 11 have changed the lives of all Americans forever. Our prayers are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this cowardly attack on our nation. We must also give thanks to the heroic efforts of the hundreds of police, fire and emergency medical personnel who gave their lives while attempting to save the lives of others.
Our President George W. Bush has rallied our great nation and given comfort to the American people that we will not bow to these cowardly terrorists.
New York’s Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Gov. George Pataki deserve special praise for their outstanding actions in mobilizing the necessary emergency personnel and equipment, and also for reassuring the public that they were safe and could continue to carry on with their daily lives.
The time has come for all of us as Americans to pull together and show the terrorists that they cannot destroy our way of life.
The recent Marlboro Day celebration was one such example with its patriotic theme. It achieved a record-breaking turnout of more than 15,000 people.
State Sen. John Bennett’s rousing speech showed that great leaders are not just confined to New York and Washing-ton, D.C. His speech demonstrated that we are second to none when it comes to leaders who can take charge and lead in a crisis.
The most important thing that every American can do is to register to vote, and if already registered, to make sure they vote in the upcoming election.
Our American government is based on the vote of the people and, through their votes, electing our government officials. This goes against everything the terrorists believe in.
I ask that all Americans exercise their right to vote on Election Day and show our determination as a people to maintain the American way of life.
Ed Graham
Marlboro