Following 9/11’s devastating attack on America, moving stories about victims and survivors poured in on TV, newspaper, radioes and through word of mouth among which one particular story touched my heart.
At the moment when the World Trade Center was being attacked, about 700 employees of one big company were working at 103rd floor of the west tower. One of the co-owners of the company called his brother, the other co-owner who happened to be not in the building and left his last words as “ Our building was hit by something, huge explosion… everybody is running down for life… if we can not make it, please take care of their families..” In the end, 80% of employees including himself are missing and they are most properly dead. The very next day, those 20 % survivors called the boss asking to get back to work. “ You are crazy,” said the boss, “ you guys lost loved ones too, you have funeral to attend, besides, our office is gone.” “ No boss, we have to work and we have to keep our company running because we have to support so many families of those pass-away colleagues.” said the faithful employees. When the boss related the story to the news reporter, tears were running down on his face. Those are tears of sorrow, proud, gratitude and more.
This afternoon when I passed by Huntington Street, I saw a group of kids of all colors distribute American flags to pass-bys. Some were singing American anthem. The emotional melody mixed with touching words of “ God bless America, our home, sweet home…” kept echoing around my ears.
I firmly believe that East and West, humanity is basically the same. When you cut your skin with a knife, regardless of your color, gender, nationality and religious and political belief, you feel the same pain. The same thing is true with the feeling that you see your loved ones turn into ashes in an explosion.
I just hope America will refrain and restrain when seeking retaliation. In my opinion, just try to pinpoint those responsible and bring them to justice is the best way. The vicious circle of revenge will just bring about more tragedy and more human suffering. The worst case is the above stories will be repeated in another country because of America’s fighting back. I sincerely pray that it will never be the case.
Dave in Los Angeles
