WORLD TRADE CENTER MACAU HOLDS
REQUIEM MASS IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO
PERISHED IN TERRORIST ATTACK ON WTC IN N.Y.

   In memory of all those who have perished in the 911 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, the World Trade Center Macau offered a memorial service on 18 September. About 400 local residents and visitors attended the Requiem Mass, among them the Macau Special Administrative Region's Secretary for Administration and Justice, Florinda da Rosa Silva Chan, the Consul-General of Portugal in Macau, Carlos Frota, the presidents of the two Provisional Municipal Councils of the Macau SAR, the Board of Directors of the World Trade Center Macau, as well as local business and community leaders. Apart from praying for those who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, the attendants also prayed for world peace. Ms Lisa Kubiske, Chief of Economic & Political Section joined the Mass as the representative of the U.S. Consul-General in Hong Kong and Macau and read a message presented by Michael Klosson.

   The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau joins the Macau community in remembering those who perished on September 11 in the terrorist attacks in the United States. Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with the victims and their families as they grieve. The outpouring of solidarity from around the world cannot help but provide some comfort to those families, remind them they are not alone at this difficult time and keep alive the flame of hope which will see us all through these hard times. On behalf of the American people, I wish to express our great appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support we have received from people in Macau in all walks of life - government leaders, business people, school teachers, churches and friends. We have been very moved by these messages. The terrorist attacks September 11 destroyed the lives not just of Americans, but of hundreds of innocent people from across the world. Those who perished came from 50 different countries, including many in this region. This was an assault on fundamental human values we share with the people of Macau. It may have been buildings in New York and Washington that were hit this time, but it was the foundations of the civilized world - freedom, justice and tolerance - that were under attack. At this time of grief, sorrow and reflection, let us rededicate ourselves to the mission of hope. Let us all stand against the forces which would use terrorism and violence and stand firmly together for justice and security.

Michael Klosson
U.S. Consul General