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This week’s info is culled from Cary Silver’s “Ground Zero: Rotarians Unite in Response to an Unspeakable Tragedy.” The Rotarian, December, 2001
Twenty Years ago, on September 11, the Rotary Clubs of New York and Staten Island both were scheduled to hold their regular luncheon meetings on that Tuesday. Walter Parks, president of the Rotary Club of Staten Island, watched the Twin Towers burn and then collapse from across the bay. "I refused to cancel the meeting," he said. "I was in disbelief, hurt, angry… As Rotarians, we could express our feelings and grief. It was a time to share and vent." The crisis has inspired Rotarians to come together and rise to the occasion, despite their own personal tragedies or limited resources. The Staten Island Rotarians decided to take action immediately. The club authorized $5,000 for emergency relief. "We acted as a first response team," said Parks. "All five Rotary clubs on Staten Island worked together. A member from the Gateway club donated one of his vacant buildings to use as a drop-off point for donated supplies." Each day, a different Staten Island club manned the drop-off site, collecting and sorting clothes, blankets, axes, masks and other supplies. One Rotarian, upon hearing there was a severe shortage of beds, arranged for 350 beds to be donated from another organization. Another Rotarian arranged for the donation of 10,000 bottles of water, which had to be picked up in New Jersey.
"I received beautiful messages and letters of condolence from all over the world," said Helen Reisler, a member of RC of Staten Island. "It was truly heartwarming to see the solidarity and support of Rotarians, whether they were from England, Colombia or Poland." Rotarians in Germany, New Zealand and South Africa offered to pay the airfare and host the children of victims in their Rotary homes. In Michigan City, Indiana, USA, Rotarians donated a van to help New York firefighters. RI President Richard D. King wrote on 12 September: "These events demonstrate all the more the importance of Rotary's Global Quest to keep our organization growing and thriving. Where Rotary exists in the world, there is a greater chance for peace. By swelling the ranks of Rotarians dedicated to peace, we can further strengthen Rotary's mission to foster international understanding and goodwill."
"It will be hard to forget the tragedy of September 11. But I will not forget the camaraderie and compassion shown by Rotarians," said Parks. "That was Rotary at its purest. I will remember that for the rest of my life."
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