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Moments of the World March

Reconciliation Ceremony at Ground Zero

Terry Greene .   Terry is a public health specialist from the United States. She is a founding member of 9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows. She shared her account at a café after having spoken at a World March ceremony of reconciliation at Ground Zero in New York:




Written Testimonio

The March and I.
My brother, Don Greene, died in the sept 11, 2001 attacks. He was a passenger aboard United Flight 93. The organizations September 11th Families for a Peaceful Tomorrow (www.peaceful tomorrows.org) and the International Network for Peace (www.internationalnetworkforpeace.org) which we joined with other organizations from around the world whose members have lost loved ones to war, terror, organized crime, and nuclear weaponry, cosponsored the Dec 1st 2009 ceremony held today at the site of the World Trade Center.
The March and the World.
The resiliency and strength of the marchers as well as dedication to the cause of nonviolence is an important model for all of us. They give us the hope that we will achieve the essential goal we commonly seek of a world which is sustainable and supportive of all the world's people.
The March and the Future.
The March is bringing together people in communities across the world to stand united with, not against, one another. Its has had success in attracting media, reaching politicians, and educating young and old. It's future success depends upon how well it is able to create sustainable networks that can mobilize citizenry and promote/build the structures necessary to implement nonviolent means of conflict resolution.
Other Topics.
While nonviolent approaches are difficult they do not require more resources or commitment than military approaches. The latter is far less effective and will not lead to sustainability. It is naive to believe that we can simply kill our "enemies" to make a better world. Supporting humanity is the true path to our mutual benefit and survival through co-existence.

Peaceful Tomorrows Statemeno, read by Terry.
 
"We stand at a site where loved ones suffered and died at the hands of other human beings. It is a site where destruction reigned, demonstrating humanity's capacity to harm their fellow men and women. We stand at a site where, through the smoke and flames, individuals valiantly struggled. Many braved the flames to help others, either staying behind or entering the towers in rescue operations. Some helping others did not make it out themselves. From all over New York, this country, and the world, support poured in. It is a site where tenacity and bravery and compassion reigned, demonstrating the best of humanity's capacity to serve their fellow men and women. This is a site for humanity to make its choice. Today, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows and the International Network for Peace are joined by marchers and supporters of all faiths and backgrounds, from all around the world. Many are prominent world leaders while others are simply individuals who care about our common future. We have made the choice to dedicate ourselves to the service of our fellow men, women and children. We invite you to join us. Together we stand united, not against but for one another."

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