Recent Events 2006

September 11 keepsake gift from the children of Port Chalmers Dunedin - Ambassador McCormick appreciates gift

September 11, 2006

Ambassador McCormick and Carol Meikle. Larger Photo

U.S. Ambassador Bill MCormick said he was touched by a September 11 keepsake from the children of Port Chalmers. Carol Meikle presented the memento to Ambassador McCormick by in Wellington today (Friday). In 2001, Ms. Meikle ran a Port Chalmers holiday program that organized a coin trail to raise money for the victims of the attacks.

“We really appreciate it. I wasn’t here on September 11, 2001, but receiving this keepsake from the children of Port Chalmers reminds us of the impact of that day, how the ripples were felt all over the world, and how New Zealand children actively demonstrated their compassion and concern.”

The Ambassador underscored that it is really important that we remember that the United States wasn’t the only country that suffered that day.

“Victims of September 11 were citizens of more than 90 different countries and adherents of many faiths, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. 

“Terrorism affects all of us. It has brought tragedy and terrible grief to innocent people all across the world-- from Indonesia to Morocco, in Spain, in Jordan, England, India and Egypt-- thousands of people of different races and beliefs have been murdered.”

“As we look back on September 11, 2001, we must also look forward, because the best way we can fight terrorism is encouraging debate, education, and broad dissemination of information to help people learn about and understand each other,” he added.

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