It is so nice to be back in New York again. It’s been exactly one year since I was last here.
This is the second year in a row that I have been able to achieve my long-standing desire to perform a goma fire ceremony in New York City. Today’s service would not have been possible without the close cooperation of the management and staff of the Riverside Church and the efforts of many people who have been working behind the scenes. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to all those people, and to you, who are participating by your attendance. Thank you very much.
Before I proceed, let me first take this opportunity to express my profound sorrow and sympathy on the recent, tragic terrorist attacks against the United States.
I am deeply impressed by the determination and heroic courage that the American people, led by President Bush, have shown in the face of this sad and painful crisis. In particular I’d like to pay my sincere respects to the fire fighters, policemen, and emergency workers who have been doing such a wonderful job.
I watched the coverage of the memorial service held at Yankee Stadium on September 23. This, too, was truly soul wrenching.
Mayor Giuliani made a speech during the service. I’m sure you all remember his words, but they are worth repeating here. Mayor Giuliani declared: “To those who say our city will never be the same, I say, you are right. It will be better.”
These words, more than anything, show that
