A solitary tear slipped from the eye of the eagle. AMERICA, built on a rock of freedom, touched by God's own hand, was now under attack.

As I watched the events unfold, my shock and grief turned to anger, hate and disgust. I know, as a Christian, I should pray for the perpetrators of this dastardly act, but I find it hard to ask God's blessings for these terrorists. Maybe, in time.

My thoughts reverted to our forefathers and what they endured to be free. Let us never forget the Pilgrims, making the journey to an unknown land for freedom. The Pioneers who suffered pain and privation to settle on the land of promise. And, those who gave their lives to fight on other shores so this soil might not be touched or torn by war. Now, it HAS BEEN touched and this must not be tolerated.

Let this nation - as a child guided by her parents - ever grow in faith, courage, gentleness and love. May the bell of freedom always ring for peace and be heard around the world. And the laws of liberty, written over 200 years ago, still be our voice of the future. We will never be coerced into relinquishing our symbolisms, ideals or freedom.

As the mythical bird, phoenix, was consumed by fire and rose, renewed, from the ashes to live again, so shall AMERICA.