Table of Contents

A school child in Germany drew this picture of hope in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Africa

Throughout Africa an outpouring of sympathy was received by United States’ embassies. In this time of tragedy, communities banded together and embraced their American brothers and sisters. Communities of farmers, church groups, Non-Governmental Organizations, and entire villages and cities united to deliver messages and condolence books. Some communities held memorial gatherings, like Ridge Church in Accra, Republic of Ghana. Others presented artwork of collective expression such as the children of the Republic of South Africa and the farmers of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Community is a theme that appears again and again in these materials as Africans reached out to comfort not only the United States, but the broader world community.

Ambassador José Agostinho Neto from the People's Republic of Angola expresses the deep sorrow and support from the Angolan people and government in this letter.

Manuel A. Montoony from Cape Verde expresses his condolences.

It’s about a couple days ago that my beautiful country came apart, the land of my kids! At this moment I am living with a broken heart just like those who were present, but we strongly believe in God. The devils who have commited such destruction will face the justice and our freedom never stop ringing in four corners of the world. This message come from the bottom of my heart and I would like to spread it to every corner where American citizens live and operate. So sorry brothers! Manuel A. Montoony. September 13, 2001

Thursday, 20 September 2001. Shock, indignation, sorrow. I feel tremendously sad and horrified over the September 11th terrorist attacks on New York, Washington. The New York twin sky-scrapers ablaze are still so vivid in my mind, as I happened to pass through JFK Airport a week before these attacks took place. This is a crime against humanity. I pray for the survivors and those innocent people whose lives were sacrificed. May God Almighty have their souls. Let’s pray for humanity, peace and forgiveness in the world. We are all children of the same God. I would like to seize this opportunity to send my heartfelt message of condolence to the whole of American nation and people, and particularly to all families who lost someone in this crime. Joe Wabo, Peace Corps Trainer

Leon Njombe-Assuwba shares his sympathy from Bangui, Central African Republic.

As we live in this world, no matter what we do for the sake of our fellows, no matter how we express our deeply noble feelings for the well being of human kind, we become victims of the illness rooted in man. May the families of the victims accept the sympathy and the sorrow that I share with them while condemning this evil action. Bangui. September 13, 2001. Leon Njombe-Assuwba.

Willy Marcus, a Belgium Embassy Official stationed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expresses personal condolences on behalf of his wife and himself.

“Having already expressed the official condolences of Belgium, this time it is in my personal capacity that my wife and I note our total solidarity with the American people who navigate through this moment of particularly dramatic circumstances. May your country overcome, as best and as quickly as possible, these terrible events.”

“I offer my sincerest condolence to all American families and ask God to help us go through these difficult times. We are sorry for what happened. From the Egyptian-American citizen
Adel El-Jayyar”

17 September 2001. On behalf of the delegation of the European Commission in Libreville, horrified by the dreadful tragedies in New York and Washington, my colleagues and I, we express our sympathy to the members of the US Embassy in Gabon, to the government of the U.S.A., to the relatives of the victims and to the people of the United States. Europeans rising together with the USA, by all peace-loving people of the world, in condemning any resisting terrorism in the strongest possible terms. [Illegible name] Head of Delegation of European Commission, Libreville. Marcello [Illegible], Civil Counselor. Victor Silva, Finance Administration Attache. Michel Pire, Economic Counselor. Diego Escalona Patuel, Junior Expert in Delegation

An Egyptian citizen shares an inspiring message with his American brothers and sisters.

To Everyone of my American Brothers and Sisters. Don’t worry. America will be more powerful. We know that gold is put into fire to be purer. You look like this. You believe in God and God is faithful. He always leads his children into victory every time and any time. I shared you in prayer. Glory to God forever. Your Egyptian brother. Magdy Kamel.

Mr. Edward Saidu Kanu. c/o Dixinn Port, P.B. 3637, Conakry -Guinea. 14th September 2001. His Excellency, The Ambassador of the United States of America in Guinea-Conakry. His Excellency Ambassador U.S.A. I and my family we send our sincere sorrowful sympathy to you and to the U.S. government in U.S.A. and in Guinea for the accident happen in your country the 11th September 2001 Tuesday. Please accept our sympathy, I am really sorry for those who have losted their lives and also those who are accidential wounded during this attack. May the almighty God and the love of Jesus Christ rest upon you. May the souls of the faithful departed throught the mercy of God rest in peace Amen. Thank you very much. Yours sincerely, Edward Saidu Kanu. P/S. I placed my sorrow flower for the death ones.

Peter Hancock & Associates of the Kingdom of Lesotho stand with the United States.

Abbe Ruben Dario Ruiz Mainardi, representative of the Holy See in Brazzaville, sends this letter to the United States Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Andrea, a teacher with the English Teaching Program (ETP) at the American Cultural Center in Antananarivo, Republic of Madagascar shares her condolences.

To the American people, To the American government, To the victims families, I express here my sympathy and present my condolences. We condemn all terrorists actions and hope that all this loss will be avenged. Andrea, a teacher at the ETP.

In this letter the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria encourages the United States not to be deterred by this tragic event.

In this sector of civil aviation that Air Mauritius proudly serves, we have learned to see aeroplanes as an instrument that serves the eagerness of human beings to link the world and share common humanitarian values. But on September 11, lethal madness turned planes into instruments of massive destruction. While we are left to cry over the perversion of our noble vocation, the management of Air Mauritius humbly ask you to convey its heart-felt condolences to the President of the United States and to the American people. [Illegible name] on behalf of the MD and DCO Air Mauritius Ltd.

Rwandans express their grief to the American people. Written on notebook paper, unlike formal condolence books, this is indicative of the urgency many felt to quickly assemble words of sympathy.

Rubindo Christian 17 September 2001. Rwanda, we hope that crime story in U.S. never be back forever and ever.

September 2001 Condolence book for all those persons affected by the terrorist attack on America. 11th September 2001. From members of the Mazowe Concession Farmers’ Association. Zimbabwe. With our deepest sympathy.

Panorama primary. Malmesbury Road, Welgelegen, 7500, South Africa. 2001 September 18. Dear Children of America. We are very sorry about the tragedy in your country. The explosions of the Twin Towers in New York and elsewhere were terrible. I saw it on the news. We are with all of you especially those who lost their families. You are in our hearts and in our prayers. May God be with you in this time of need. Greetings, Jamie Brink.

It’s difficult to find appropriate words to express how deeply shocked and saddened I am by this tragic event. I want to use this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to the bereaved families and the entire American people for the death of dear citizens. I stand by the people and government of the U.S.A. in their just quest for searching and punishing all perpetrators of this heinous crime. Jakaya M. Kikwete, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Two citizens of the Togolese Republic share their condolences.

What a barbaric act against a civiled people who have stood for the betterment of mankind. I mourn with the families who have lost their beloved ones.

America and Americans should stand together and continue with their good works. We shall always be by your side. Davey Sakola News Editor times of Zambia.

Carlos Dunham of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, expresses his heartbreak at the tragedy and confidence in the United States’ ability to overcome.

I would like to express all my fellowship with the USA and the American people, and how my mind and heart are broken. In spite of all kinds of violence, I know America is a great country and USA will show for the world its power of overcoming. Best Wishes. Carlos Dunham. Rio de Janeiro, September 19, 2001.

God is forever on his throne. He is in full control. Trust in him. God bless you all. Maria Johnson.

All of us in the Bahamas are praying for you. May God keep you strong at this most difficult time. Vernice I. Walkire

May God bless you all. Love is with you. Keep your spirits up. Love you all. Debbie L. Isaacs. P.O. Box W1540, Nassau, Bahamas.

May God heal, restore, and bless you through hardship. We love you. May continue to bless you. Iva Johnson and family.

May God comfort you in the time of your bereavement. Alice [Illegible] Bahamas.

May God heal the hearts of all the American people, heal the sick and bless the President and all the poor souls that was lost also the rescuers. Salome Wilsor

Officials, diplomats, and citizens sign their condolences in a book from the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Our prayers go to all the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. We ask God to send warmth and strength to their hearts, hoping they can find comfort.

We firmly believe in freedom and America certainly means freedom. This is not only America’s fight, but also the entire world’s. Stand strong America! In peace, September 2001.

Migel Angel Rodriguez, the President of Costa Rica, shares his message to the people of the United States in this inscribed condolence book.

The entire country, the government, and my family are in deep mourning. Costa Rica regrets the major loss of lives in New York and Washington caused by the evil of inhumane terrorism. The United States of America has always been foremost and present with immense generosity on all occasions where Costa Rica has required help. The Costa Ricans feel enormous admiration, affection, and gratitude to that great country. Peace and blessings to the injured families. Peace and wisdom to the leaders and government officials of the United States. Our solidarity, affection, and support goes to that great country.

Miguel Angelo Rodriguez, President of Costa Rica

Throughout Canada hundreds of individuals and groups gave blood and donated money to the Canadian Blood Services as well as signing and sending in these postcards of support.

Friday Sept. 14/01 Dear Mr. Ambassader. We are sad that the twin towers have been destroyed. We are also very sad that so many people lost their lives in that tragedy. We are glad to heer that there some survivors. Our hole school is thinking about you and we are having a penny drive to raise money to send to the people who lost their work. We hop this will never happen again. Sincerely Melissa.

To all our American friends and neighbors. Our hearts are with you. Your pain is our pain. Your grief is our grief. Your loss is our loss. Your commitment to right is our commitment. We will be with you whatever the course, whatever the cost. Sincerely Adele Townley Munro.

Adele Townley Munro wrote this heartfelt inscription in a condolence book from the people of British Columbia, Canada. Included is a photograph of Canadian citizens signing the book. 

Language center. You are not alone we support you!!!

Dear United States, We feel very sorry for what is happening in the world, and want to say that you are a very good neighbor country and you are always welcome, and I want you to know that you are in our prayers and that we love you a lot, and that what you need we are here for you and not to worry - God knows why things happen.We love you, we are with you. Azaida Medina Avaros of the Republic of Panama

Maria Alvarez of Asuncion, Republic of Paraguay signs an official United States Embassy condolence book.

Please know that our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers are with you in this time of terrible tragedy. The United States has always been my second homeland in my heart, but this week, I think that indeed everyone feels “American.” God bless, Maria Alvarez. U.S. Embassy Asuncion.

The staff of UNICEF Myanmar (Burma) sign a letter to the United States Ambassador in solidarity over the attacks.

For all son and daughter of American nations. I feel so sad and sympathy for this unexpected and sorrow event. However I hope all of American have the courage to go ahead and develop yourself. I trust in God that we will protect and lead you to meet the peace. With heartfelt. Miss Supaporn Vijanprasit and my family. 5:42 P.M. / Monday 17/09/01.

Dr. A. A. Sultan, the Secretary General of the Islamic Ship-owners Association, Jeddah, Brunei, shares his message in a condolence book.

The President of the Timorese Democratic Union (became East Timor in 2003) expresses shock and sorrow in this letter.

Dear Mr. Ambassador, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concern to our family. James is the eldest brother of Eric Hartono, who perished together with the other victims on the September 11 attack on America. Our sincere and deepest condolence to America on the attack. Our prayers and thoughts will always be with you, your country and the America leaders to do the right things. As a nation and people under God, we believe America can overcome this trial and become stronger. Be strong and always walk with God. God bless America. James, Irene, Rico, and Jeanne. Mr. Samadikun Hartono and Mrs. Nelly Nita Riady and Erik Setiawan and all our family [Illegible signature] 18/9/01.

This photograph of a spread of condolence books sent in from Australia illustrates the abundance and variety of books sent in from throughout the world.

A faculty member from the Kazakh State University in the Republic of Kazakhstan shares her support.

We all Nepales people are schocked by the coward attack by the terrorist in the democratic country like America. So we all Nepales people pray with the God for the eternal peace of victims and God may help America to find out the guilty person to punish. And lastly America could able to have to the peace all over the world. Bharaf Adhikam, Tinthana-7, Kfm Nepal.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inscribes a condolence book on behalf of the Filipino people.

Sept. 2001 With the condolences of the Filipino people. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

To the New York fire department. Dear New York fire department, hi my name is Vasi and I’m 10 years old. I live in New Zealand. I’m just writing to say how dearly sorry for the love ones that had died from the hyjacking. I think that New York is proud to have a great fire department like you guys. You have made them proud by helping them when they were hurt from the hyjacking and also putting the fire out. You have done a great job and I think New York really appreciates it. Yours Sincerely, Vasi.

Two citizens of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan express their sympathies for the United States.

Numerous people from around globe sent greeting cards with messages of sympathy, such as Neyomal and Kiran P. Hathiramani of the Republic of Sri Lanka.

To his excellency the honourable ambassador and to my dearest American friends. My dearest American friends. May the good Lord comfort you dear United States of America and may you all be given more strength for the years to come. Regards Miss Kiran P. Hathiramani.

Citizens of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia “hope this cloud will clear soon.”

Our thoughts are with you and we hope this cloud will clear soon. God bless you all. Saleh & Ahlam Alfadl

Komila Manapova and Aziz Bebitov of the Republic of Uzbekistan express their sympathies in a condolence book gifted to the United States Embassy in Tashkent.

The Vietnamese Ambassador to Sweden, Nguyen Van Nam, expresses his country's shock over the tragedy and offers most sincere condolences.

We are deeply shocked in front of this tragedy of the American people. Please accept our most sincere and deep condolences. September 13, 2001 Nguyen Van Nam Ambassador of Viet Nam.

In Japan there is a tradition of folding one thousand origami paper cranes and stringing them together. Anyone who folds a thousand cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as recovery from illness or injury. Carrying out this tradition, the students of Tamagawa School assembled and sent not one, but three thousand origami paper cranes, some of which included written messages.

We hope this century will be the century of peace there should never be any killing fighting and suffering. Let us pray for peace.

The Association of Retired NATO Civilian Staff in Belgium “are heartened by the fact that the North Atlantic Council has invoked Article 5 of the Treaty.” This is the first time in the Alliance’s history that Article 5 has been invoked.

“Dear Mr. Coats [Ambassador Daniel Coats],
We are shocked and full of sorrow at the terrorist attack against the United States and the entire human race. Our compassion to the victims, their dependents and the entire American nation.
With deep sympathy,”

Rhein Newspaper, Kiener Newspaper, Mainzer Rhein Newspaper, Rhein hunstuck Newspaper, Wefterwalder Newspaper, Public Gazette, Rhein Lahn Newspaper, Nahe Newspaper

We pray for you.

I wish you all the best. My name is Fabian Denner. Hello! Many greetings from Germany. I’m 8 years old. We are friends!

In his entry from the official condolence book stationed at the United States Embassy in Sarajevo, Damir Dzehidzic, of Bosnia and Herzegovina, writes that “this was not only an attack on the USA, but is an attack on open society [and the] world.”

Dear Americans. As a Bosnian and ordinary citizen I would like to share the feelings with all victims of this barbarian act. I would like to tell you that this is not only attack on USA, but is an attack on open society world. We as world need to fight them and eliminate all terrorists from this world. Damir Dzehidzic.

I would like to express my condolences and share my sympathy with the American people for the recent tragic events. The tragedy invokes the consciousness of the mankind to condemn horror caused by the terrorist attacks. The United States of America will continue to succeed and be a model for democracy and prosperity to the whole world. Elmira C. Ilieva. PAO.

Please accept our deepest condolences in connection with the barbarious acts of terrorism in N.Y. and Washington. Our hearts are with all those who suffer. We will applaud all efforts of the American government and the democratic commonwealth of the world to eradicate the plague of international terrorism. Dr. Atanas Arnaudo. Reg. Manager – EKKO Ltd – Caterpillar Dealers.

Government officials and citizens of the Republic of Cyprus share their feelings and support of the United States.

On behalf of the Estonian government and defense forces we would like to express our condolences to the U.S. on that difficult our and also express our support and readiness to help in whatever way. We also express our support in the difficult fight against terrorism and are ready to stand side by side with the U.S. Your friends. [Illegible signatures]

On behalf of the Kosovo Protection Corps, the Commander sends the thoughts of every member to the American people.

The Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Major General Jonas Kronkaitis, expresses his deepest condolences to the American people.

The Liechtenstein Ambassador to the United States shares the grief of her government and people over the abhorrent terrorist attacks.

As I walked up from my hockey training in the car I saw mum gazing. She looked down from above as I looked at her, I said Lord give her love! Mum whats wrong, you look confused? Honey she said I have terrible news. New York is bombed and destroyed along with thousands of people lives. When I got home, I watched T.V. What a disaster, Dad said to me the first time I saw the plane go through like a bullet through the sky so blue. The news has huge coverage the rescuers have great courage but who did it we think we know who. Who caused thousands saying their last I love you’s. By Kate Mulvihill.

The 11th of September. It was a sunny day. Everyone laughing and joking as we usually do after a long day in school, totally oblivious to what was happening on the other side of the world. I got into the car and turned on the radio. I heard it, millions killed in America. I couldn’t believe it until I saw them waving helplessly on top of the burning towers nowhere to go, nowhere to hide from those vicious flames, but fall. By Fiona Liston

Faxes, such as this one from the Republic of Moldova, poured into United States Embassies indicative of the sense of urgency to console the American people.

The citizens of the Republic of Portugal share their call for resilience.

To all the American people: Cry the death, scream the angry, but raise your head, and fight for justice, peace and freedom. A Portuguese solidaire with your’s heart. God bless America. 14.09.01 [Illegible signature]

Angela Selikora of the Slovak Republic expresses her thoughts and fears in a United States Embassy condolence book.

The British Charge d'Affaires, Paul Whiteway, writes to the United States Charge d'Affaires in Santiago, Chile expressing the shock of his colleagues at the terrorist attacks.

Conclusion

The terrorist attacks on the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001 continue to live in the memories of millions of people throughout the world. This day not only changed the political, economic, and cultural climate of the United States, but also the entire world. As each anniversary passes more stories are told as we continue to recognize the huge loss of the day, the heroism of the first responders, the unity and strength of the Nation, and humanity, in the face of a terrible challenge. The following is a beginning list of resources for further information.