Tight security for Embassy’s memorial

A SOMBRE service, where tears flowed quietly for lost loved ones, was yesterday held  in Port-of-Spain to commemorate the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States.

The US Embassy, which hosted the service at the All Saints Anglican Church, Marli Street, took all precautions to avoid any untoward incidents at the memorial as every guest was subjected to scanning and a thorough search of their personal effects. The barriers, which were erected outside the church opposite the Embassy, were temporarily moved as dozens of police officers were deployed to provide security. Guards were also posted inside the church where members of the diplomatic corps, Members of Parliament, US Embassy staffers and relatives of the Trinidadian victims were gathered. One of the more “touching moments” of the service was the candle-lighting ceremony. To the soul stirring rendition of “Go Light the World,” sung by Gillian Seecharan-Scott, US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Roy Austin, lit the first candle for all American citizens. Candles were also lit by foreign diplomats for their respective citizens lost in the attacks. Other representatives lit candles for American businessmen, American servicemen, local servicemen, police officers, firefighters, port workers, victims and survivors. A minute’s silence was also observed and Mavis John, in her rich smooth voice, sang “Release the Dove.”

Ambassador Austin, in his remarks to commemorate the sad occasion, noted that it was a time for reflection and remembrance. He recalled that two years ago, millions across the world looked on in horror at the terrorist attacks, which claimed almost 3,000 lives of citizens of at least 87 nations. Minister in the Ministry of Trade, Diane Seukeran, representing Government, said 9/11 was etched in the minds of many as a day never to be forgotten. Sounding poetic, Seukeran said citizens woke up that day two years ago to a world going askew and realised it was not a nebulous dream but the hard reality of a world gone mad. Also delivering remarks were Rev Calvin Bess and Rev Cyril Paul, President of the IRO. Rev Paul said he hoped the tragedy would never happen again. He prayed, “all governments of the world will continue to work for peace, reconciliation and healing and do everything within their power to prevent anything resembling September 11 from ever happening again.”