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By Bridgette See
A memorial service for victims of the Sep 11
attacks was held at the US Embassy in Singapore on Wednesday.
Deep in silent prayers to remember the deaths
of the 3,000 victims, nine religious leaders from the different
faiths in Singapore sent a clear message that they are united
in supporting peace.
The sombre ceremony included speeches by the
US Ambassador and Singapore's Acting Foreign Minister, as
well as a poem read out by a student from the American School.
Guests were then invited to ring a memorial
bell for the victims who came from 62 countries.
"I've been planning for over a month and
I knew what to expect but when the choir sang, it turned into
a very uplifting, unifying incredibly emotional experience
for me," said Garlinn Story, Director of the American
Association of Singapore.
Captain Tan Hup-Cheng, Regional Director, South
& Southeast Asia, Port Authority of New York & New
Jersey, meanwhile said: "The ringing of the bell was
very appropriate. I think it strikes a chord in everybody.
It brings together the sympathy, the united resolve of everybody
around the world."
Outside the embassy was a smaller bell for the
public to ring throughout the day. Many in fact have already
rung the bell and some have even brought flowers.
But the ringing of the 62-year-old bell is not
just to remember the victims of the September 11 tragedy but
also a gesture of support for peace.
The ringing continues till 8.45pm, when a moment
of silence will be observed a minute later which is the exact
time the first plane crashed into the World Trade Centre a
year ago.
"I was very touched with what the world
could do for those who have lost their lives unfortunately.
So we want to render our support by being present here,"
one Singaporean said.
Another remarked: "Although the year has
passed but the memory for the event is still very fresh in
the heart. My heart goes out to those who've suffered and
gone through the tragedy."
One American meanwhile wished "to remember
everybody who lost their lives and hope and pray for a better
world and that peace will come out of all this."
Meanwhile the US embassy in Singapore, which
stands between the Australian and British High Commissions,
was open but it was on a very high state of alert.
The British mission was closed as a precaution.
Australia's High Commission was fully staffed,
but it was closed to the public.
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