Basil Morrison, President of Local Government New Zealand, today presented the United States Ambassador, Mr Charles J Swindells, with over 50 condolence books containing messages of sympathy regarding recent events from the communities of New Zealand.

‘Communities and individuals have expressed their grief, sympathy, fears and anger over the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York on September 11 by signing books left out in council reception areas throughout New Zealand,’ Mr Morrison said today.

‘Some of the messages are incredibly moving, many are very personal and many demonstrate our support and sympathy for the people and families who have suffered. Today we are handing over these books as a representation of the strong feelings New Zealanders have,’ he said.

Mr Morrison says that reading the messages show what effect the tragedy had on a huge range of New Zealanders. “The books also carry messages from many of the American and other tourists who were in New Zealand at the time. For some people visiting our communities, writing their feelings in these books was one way of reaching their own.’

‘It is my hope that these books will help Americans that thousands of New Zealanders are thinking of them in this very difficult time.’

A selection of comments from the books follows.

Messages that are contained in the condolence books (some names have been removed for privacy reasons)

“I am 10-years old. I am very ashamed of the people who are going to war. More people will die. I am very sorry about the twin towers falling and the Pentagon lighting on fire. If I had one wish it would be for global peace. My friend’s mum asked Santa for global peace, but she didn’t get it.
Lots of love”

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“I feel such pain, anger and shame for what has happened. I will pray for all of America. The ones who have lost ones. The workers who are finding the lost. I pray for love and peace for all. And the American government will find these people and come to a right decision for your country’s future.”

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“I am sorry about what happened. I am only 12 and I think going to war is a stupid idea. Whoever thought of it is stupid. It is going to affect more people than what happened in New York.
PS: I would like peace all around the world.
If you need someone to talk to ring …. and ask for Holly.”

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“To all those people who are feeling the pain,
inflicted by those who have nothing to gain.

For all those firefighters whom have lost their lives,
because of some maniacs with only some knives.

To all those people trapped, just waiting to be saved,
thinking about their loved ones and the hugs, which they must crave.

For all those children who’s parents didn’t come home,
I can only imagine how much they feel so alone.

And for the world that waits and wonders why,
take a moment to think about those who have and will die.”

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A poem by Amanda. Jessica, Lisa and Ebony.

“In a New York minute everything can change

True in quote …. True in mind.

Words to describe we cannot find. For all the lives of those innocent lost will be avenged hopefully at no cost. God bless those all in the U.S.A our thoughts are with you today. This shouldn’t have happened to all of thee, for our hearts are broken and crying for the land of the free.”

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“Was in the States and watched it all happen with tears in my eyes. It was something I couldn’t even imagine seeing and hope I never see anything like it again.
God bless”

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“From our small country in New Zealand out thoughts are with you. It has affected all people from around the world”

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“God bless everyone involved and watch over the victims’ families. We will not stand for this kind of action”

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“I am very sad because so many people have died and so many children have lost their mum and dad”

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My thoughts are with the families of the innocent victims of the terrorist atrocities. However, it must not be the justification for America to enter war – already in our lifetimes enough wars have occurred. Enough innocent children and women have lost their lives. Now is the time for us to unite in our prayers for world peace. No more bloodshed, no more innocent victims, and no more hatred – we must find, in the united stance of all world powers, a solution to terrorism, and ensure the survival of our children. I hold all the victims of war and terrorism in my heart.
In Love.”

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