As the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York, USA, approaches, General Shaw Clifton has sent the following message of support to USA National Commander Commissioner Israel L. Gaither:

Dear Commissioner,

RE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 (9/11) - FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

I am very conscious that the fifth anniversary of the dreadful events of 9/11/01 in New York and elsewhere will soon be upon you and all whom you lead, as well as upon all Salvationists throughout the United States of America, and indeed the whole nation.

For that sombre reason I want to be in touch with you, and through you with the other senior Army leaders in America, to record that the events of that fateful day have not been forgotten by the Salvationists of the world. Neither have we lost that common sense of loss and sorrow for those killed and maimed, or for those bereaved. Also still resonating within us is that profound admiration for the ministrations of Salvationists at Ground Zero, a work that brought honour to Jesus Christ and Christian comfort to countless emergency workers and others. The impact of that matchless, self-sacrificial service to broken humanity lives on.

Please let all Salvationists under your leadership know that we hold them in our prayers at this time of memorial. We give thanks to God for all of you.

We lift up in prayer also those still suffering as a consequence of the evil deeds seen that day.

May the peace of Christ reign in every heart.

Yours in Christ,

Shaw Clifton
General