Office of Mayor Ron Gonzales

 
For Immediate Release                                 
September 12, 2001

Statement by
Ron Gonzales, Mayor of San José
A Week of Mourning in San Jose

Out of respect for the victims, their families, and the communities so profoundly affected by the dreadful acts of terrorism yesterday, I ask the people of San Jose to join me in a week of mourning in our city.

I call on all members of our community and our region to remember the lives of the thousands of people who died and to express our deepest grief on behalf of all that have been touched by this tragedy. We will take this time to offer our prayers and to extend our heartfelt sympathy.

During this period of mourning, which will extend through next Tuesday, September 18, I request all community organizations, public agencies, and businesses in San Jose to review their plans for public celebrations, events, and activities.  I encourage them to reschedule or redirect these events as appropriate and where possible in recognition of our nation’s loss.

We cannot allow terrorism to interfere with the course of the nation or to abridge the principles of American democracy and liberty.  For this reason, we will continue with our proper public business during this difficult period. 

Yet, we must also take this time to mourn our fellow Americans who have tragically lost their lives and to remember their families.  We honor the acts of heroism and sacrifice both of civilians and of police, fire and medical personnel.  And we give thanks to everyone who is helping our nation and our communities to recover from these horrible events as quickly as possible. 

I therefore ask all members of our community in San Jose to come together, not only during this time of grieving, but into the future as we support each other here and across the nation.  I encourage our residents to participate in community vigils and to support other activities that will aid in the healing of our nation and the individuals who have suffered this week.

San Jose’s strength as a community is its diversity, its tolerance, and its generosity. Now is a time for us to act with best spirit we have to offer, give blood and other vital donations, help our fellow Americans in New York and Washington, D.C., and remember them with dignity and grace.

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San Jose City Hall      801 N. First St., San Jose,  CA 95110      tel (408) 277-5131  fax ( 408) 277-3131     www.ci.san-jose.ca.us