On the Friday after the World Trade Center fell, I was in Geneva, Switzerland, attending what was billed as a “silent” march. Citizens of the world came together there in Geneva to show solidarity with we devastated Americans. We walked la Place des Naçions, through the area of Geneva that is home to a dozen or so international organizations. Organizations that promote peace, international cooperation, and help for our fellow man.
United Nations, Geneva Switzerland.
(Google Image)
That day, people from every country on the planet, it seemed, marched to show their opposition to the hatred that attacked America and destroyed the towers.
Flags of the United Nations, Geneva
(Google Image)
But it was anything but the “silent” march planned. Instead, I was surrounded by thousands of voices, speaking in sympathy, in harmony, in defiance of evil. The voices spoke in a thousand languages in righteous anger and solidarity.
It was the sound of peace.
I hadn’t heard that sound of peace again until last night.
Sometimes I forget that some of my ancestors came from other lands with other languages. Sometimes we all forget that we are a nation of immigrants. A nation that was built on the blood, sweat, tears and dreams of people from everywhere.
But we should never do that. There are things we as Americans can never forget. And the sound of voices singing one of our most cherished American songs, in whatever language they speak, and with whomever they love, is one of the most positive things that we should never forget.
FiftyFourandAHalf 