These pages are dedicated to heroes ~ to the firemen and police who help save lives ~ to all rescue workers, whether it's their job or just the right thing to do in the face of danger ~ to the passengers aboard United Airlines flight #93, who rushed terrorists to save others on the ground ~ yes, especially to those who lost their lives helping others on September 11th ~ and to those of us who have lost loved ones on that tragic day, who, with heroic strength must live with only loving memories and a hope and belief in God, knowing that our loved ones now live with Him, and so live on forever.

My first thought turns to Ronald, my next door neighbor, close as family growing up. Last seen helping people out of the South Tower lobby of the World Trade Center. My heart breaks when I think of my Aunt Marie and Uncle Bob, his parents ~ their only son, only child. I pray that God give them strength to find His joy once again in their lives. And to Barbara, his bride of only 10 months ~ his love for so many years.

I keep that thought in mind, I know that his family does too. The thought gives us courage to move past that senseless act of terrorism ~ gives strength to whisper yet another prayer to God, offered up for all of us, for Our Lady's intentions, for the Holy Father's intentions, for God's intentions ~ help us to become like little children, God's children ~ Bless America ~ Bless the world ~ Bless our homes and our families.

Bless heroes the world over ~ The ones we have seen in their valiant rescue efforts on September 11th ~ and those who are seen only in their tribute to liberty ~ in the unfurling of flags, the lighting of candles, the placing of flowers and wreaths, in the giving of blood, the saying of prayers ~ seen in the decency of a loving and giving people who have made the grief of strangers their own.

Bless those who uphold the values of America, and please add greatly to that number. Help us to remember the history of this great nation, to realize that this country was built upon the faith in God of our founding fathers, and help us to carry on this noble tradition. May we remember, with honor, our veterans who fought for our country ~ some died ~ some coming home disabled. We too are fighting a battle, right here on American soil ~ we are in a daily fight for our principles ~ for our very right to believe in God ~ our first responsibility is to live this basic truth ~ and the second is to pray that these truths are once again proclaimed loudly from sea to shining sea.

I ask all who visit these pages to please continue praying for the victims of terror and their families, for those in uniform, for our great country and for the world. Prayer has comforted us in sorrow, and prayer will help strengthen us for the journey ahead.