It is Sept. 13, 2001. The incredible events in America in the last few days have dulled many spirits. There was something about the World Trade Towers that begged one to have a picture with its absolute majesty in the background. The highlight for me of the summer of '01 was an incredible weekend in New York City with my brother and our dearest friends, Lenny, Deb, Erin and James. We spent three days taking in the sights and sounds of this most vibrant island and being simply awed by its' beauty and vastness. I have been here many times but it was the first for my brother and he was likewise enchanted by the wonders unfolding around every corner. From Central Park to Battery Park, Strawberry Fields to Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty to The Empire State Building, The Brooklyn Bridge to The Staten Island Ferry. It was simply incredible. A buncha great pizzas sprinkled in between boroughs and Coney Island and a coupla dynamic dogs! The weather was picture perfect; sunny brilliance and clear blue skies! Had to be a wonder to live here. Sept. 11, 2001. Me and Dickie are on our way to California to visit Lenny, Deb, Erin and James! Dickie's birthday tomorrow, a huge Porsche show for him to see in Ventura on Saturday and THE OAKLAND RAIDERS home opener after a rousing defeat of KC on the road! YEAH! Couldn't wait!!! Before we left Utica that morning, our joy was cut short by the horror unfolding on our tv screens. Our trip was canceled and football was meaningless for now. We are behind NEW YORK CITY and its people. I will mourn and contemplate the course of events that transpired this day. AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET! AMERICA!AMERICA!

Let us all be one in support and pledge to uphold the freedoms we hold dear and unite this country again! It is THE greatest place in the world to live!