FEMA anniversary book
In observance of the first anniversary of 9/11, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published ‘A Nation Remembers; A Nation Recovers,’ a collection of personal stories from the frontlines of the disaster in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. The book also summarizes the funding FEMA has approved to individuals, nonprofit agencies, and all government entities in response to the terrorist attacks. The book is “our attempt to balance the feelings of loss and pride we at FEMA feel on this anniversary,” FEMA director Joe M. Allbaugh said. The anniversary report is available online at www.fema.gov/remember911 and www.fem-a.gov/remember911.

Concerts in five boroughs
Aell the five boroughs of York City had commemorative concerts on Sept. 11 to mark the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks, in addition to numerous cultural gatherings and events including exhibitions, readings and public arts displays.

Commemorative gatherings in each borough began at 7 a.m. The lighting of an eternal flame at the historic Battery Park was broadcast live at each of these events, followed by musical performances. The concerts began at 9 a.m. to coincide with President George W. Bush’s address to the nation.

Meanwhile, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) announced a new Project Liberty public education subway and bus campaign called ‘Honor the Past, Embrace the Future.’ The campaign addresses New Yorkers who may still be experiencing emotional reactions to 9/11, such as anger, depression, anxiety, nightmares or loss of sleep. People having these reactions have been encouraged to call for free confidential counseling or for just someone to listen.

Muslims reject terrorism
Prominent American Muslims as well as Muslims and scholars of Islam from all over the world described Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda’s actions as “criminal, misguided and counter to the true teachings of Islam” and called on people of all faiths not to judge Islam by the actions of a few.

In a press release, 137 American Muslims and scholars of Islam restated their conviction that “peace and justice constitute the basic principles of the Muslim faith... groups like Al Qaeda have misused and abused Islam in order to fit their own radical and, indeed, anti-Islamic agenda.” The statement called on “people of conscience to denounce violence and work peacefully for the creation of a better world.”

Pallone’s legislation for victims’ kin
Congressman Frank Pallone, New Jersey Democrat, introduced legislation on the eve of the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks that would give permanent resident status to family members of those who were killed on that day. Pallone, a co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, said: “For some families, not only did they lose a loved one, but they also lost their family sponsor who was keeping them in this nation. These families should not have to worry that in the future the U.S. government may evict them from this country.”
— compiled by Ganesh S. Lakshman and Ela Dutt