RE: Jerry Falwell et al, our hoarse-voiced evangelist was back outside my subway station today. He's often there reading from the Bible for the evening commuters. His choice of scripture today? The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

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Actually the idea about post-WWII type occupation got me optimistic for Afghanistan. I've heard that our occupation of Japan gave that country its great economic boom: because they couldn't waste their budget on military spending, they pumped it into better things.

*sigh*

I am very proud.

I also attended a memorial service at St Georges Cathedral today. Full title:
'A service of prayer, memorial and thanksgiving
For those who lost their lives, for those who are injured, for those who mourn, and for medical and emergency personnel
United Airlines flight 175
United Airlines flight 93
American Airlines flight 11
American Airlines flight 77
World Trade Centre, Manhattan, NY
The Pentagon, Richmond, Virginia.'

Very low density tat I might add: cassocks, surplices, tippets and academic hoods, so no ulterior motives on my part. And I overcame my dread that it would be an awful liberal abomination, given the theology of many of the Cathedral clergy. I also worried that the Archbishop and Dean would use it as an opportunity to shove interfaith issues down our throats (Yes, I'm so cynical and distrustful that I thought that they might even stoop to that - they didn't), since the Archbishop had invited the Muslim community to the service (none came that I saw). Anyway, I thought: 'Right. I'm probably gunna hate this. But I'm going to honour the dead people and to be in solidarity with the US friends I've met online'.

Actually, it was a beautiful service. The service booklets had a small piece of thyme stapled to the front, and the prayers included the Romans passage 'I am convinced that neither death, nor life etc' (8:38-39) and a prayer of John Donne. Then followed an anthem - 2 bits actually - negro spirituals 'Steal away to Jesus' and 'Nobody knows the trouble I see' from A Child of our Time, by Michael Tippett - sung by the skillful boy choir of St Georges (HT will approve). A Litany followed. The Anthem before the Gospel was Purcell, Hear my prayer; and the Anthem after the Homily was Faure, Pie Jesu. The readings were very fitting, the moving passage from Wisdom 3:1- 'The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them' etc; 1Co 15:15; and John 14:1-. These were read by the US Consul, the Premier of WA and the Governor (Queen's rep) of WA respectively.

Hymns were 'Alleluia, Sing to Jesus', 'Guide me O thou great Jehovah' (but they used 'Redeemer', blah), and 'Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord'.

The State Commissioner of Police was present as were a contingent of firefighters, and the leader of the State Opposition. Near the Soldier's Chapel the American and Australian flags were flown, the staves crossed over each other. Uniformed and plain clothes police and plainclothes (diplomatic?) security guards were also stationed around the building.

Not a traditional Requiem, but moving.

quote:

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Originally posted by Ham'n'Eggs:
For what it's worth, which is very little, the Changing of the Guard has never ever be altered before. For anything.

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Every little bit helps. This is the first I heard of this and I want to also extend my thanks.

its raining, torrentially.

i hate to think how this is hampering search and rescue efforts.

However shocking it looks on television, the real sight is quite a bit worse. Perhaps the worst thing is the jarring contrast of the smooth, honey-coloured restrained neo-classical facades interrupted by darkened, scorched windows and a gaping, jagged black gash in the middle. I should probvably mention for those unfamiliar with Washington that the major north-south artery, Interstate 395, passes immediately beside the Pentagon. Approaching from the south one sees not only the impact point, but the incongrous scenes of the Washington monuent and the Capitol dome illuminated serenely in the night.

The fires were burning again in the close, humid air, and a haze hung close the ground and along the river.

I watched it on television and found it beautiful and moving. It ended with the British national anthem and the Queen emerging to meet and talk to some Americans in the crowd outside. The area outside was packed with a quiet and respectful crowd.

The eleven o'clock silence has been marked throughout Britain in shopping centres and city squares alike as well as people's homes and offices. Many people in Britain and Ireland have friends and family on the other side of the water and even those who don't are still moved by this.

quote:

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Originally posted by The Coot:
For those who lost their lives, for those who are injured, for those who mourn, and for medical and emergency personnel
United Airlines flight 175
United Airlines flight 93
American Airlines flight 11
American Airlines flight 77
World Trade Centre, Manhattan, NY
The Pentagon, Richmond, Virginia.'

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Under the circumstances this is a very trivial point, but the Pentagon is in Arlington, Virginia, which is a hundred miles north of Richmond.

Pt

In view of recent events in US, the singalong has been dropped and the concert opened with the national anthems of USA and Britain. Incdentally the conductor of the BBC symphony orchestra now is an American, Leonard Slatken.

I just wish to add my voice to the many tens of millions worldwide who have expressed their shock, outrage and grief at the barbarity of this act. Others have expressed my thoughts more eloquently already here.

Apologies for a "me-too" post.

New York Skyline Picture