September 11, 2001 Remembered

Commemorative Service
Ames Morning Rotary Club
September 11, 2002

 

America the Beautiful†
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountains majesties
Above the fruited plain!
Refrain
America! America!
God shed His Grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for patriot's dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
Refrain

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
Refrain


____
†The original lyrics to America the Beautiful, along with two revisions, were written by Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929). It was first printed as a poem in The Congregationalist, a weekly journal, on July 4, 1895. It is presently sung to the music of Materna which was composed by Samuel Ward in 1882.

  

Testimonials

Rolfe Johnstad:

Rotary Brothers and sisters, we gather this morning to remember the pain our world has endured during the year now past. We also gather to rejoice that in the midst of disaster wonderful expressions of life and love have given hope to our world. And we are here this morning to re-dedicate ourselves to the sharing of this world's burdens -- as Rotarians and as men and women who know that we are blessed to be a blessing. Please join together in this special time by speaking a brief word in response to three questions:

1. What pain do we remember from the year past?

Member Responses:

Seeing the tragedy, and not comprehending. Seeing others suffer loss. Uncertainty. Children & families learning of their loss. The pain of explaining to 6 and 9 year old children.

2. What has given us reason to rejoice?

Member Responses:

The beauty of life. Realizing that by March, New York City was coming back to life. A WOI radio broadcast about unity in the face of atrocity. A new awareness and appreciation of patriotism.

3. How can we re-dedicate ourselves -- today and in the days to come?

Member Responses:

Think about what is really important. Consider the blessings we have. Decide to do what is right. Dedicate ourselves to world peace and to the principles of Rotary. Realize that we have the tools to help others throughout the world.

Thank you. And may we continue to build up one another in the purposes of Rotary International.

 

September 11, 2001 Remembered