Sept. 13 - On September 11, Ambassador Roos and Susie Roos hosted at their home a memorial service for those who were killed in the multiple terrorist attacks 10 years ago. Participants included family members of Japanese victims, Japanese firefighters, a Foreign Ministry official who was working at the Japanese Consulate in New York City that day, and American Embassy staff and their families.

Reverend Shokei Murase of the Yosenji Temple officiated a brief Buddhist ceremony. He offered prayers for the deceased from the United States, Japan and 90 other countries.

Tetsuya Sugimura, President of the Japan Police Fire Sports Federation, then spoke about the sense of solidarity that Japanese firefighters felt for the 343 American firefighters who sacrificed their lives that day. He said that while time may not have lessened family members' grief for their lost loved ones, those who died would surely be comforted by the strong family bonds that remain.

Ambassador Roos then thanked the Japanese firefighters who took the initiative to travel to New York at their own expense and help out in the search and rescue effort. He also spoke to family members about the heroism of the Japanese office workers who facilitated the evacuation of others without regard for their own safety.

Ambassador Roos also quoted President Obama, who urged all of us in a recent speech to recapture the spirit of solidarity and partnership that existed in the post disaster period.

As I listened to Ambassador Roos' talk, tears began falling down the cheeks of an older women sitting next to me. After the service, I learned that her son had perished in the attack. She thanked me for inviting her and her family to this memorial service. I felt quite honored that she had traveled all the way from Western Japan to help us remember those who died on September 11, 2001.

Until next time,

Jim