If the "Statue of Liberty" could cry on September 11, 2001, she would have fallen on her knees taking her face in her hands weeping a river of tears. The Statue of Liberty is a tower symbolizing that The United States of America is a part of the Free World. As the Pledge of Allegiance states (in part) "One Nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all." The World Trade Center was a tower symbolizing many Nations of the world in trade, without religious persecution. This is the foundation of America upon which we stand.

Seeking to escape the religious persecution of England, the Pilgrims were English Separatists who founded (1620) Plymouth Colony in New England. In the first years of the 17th century, small numbers of English Puritans broke away from the Church of England. They committed themselves to a life based on the Bible. Most of these Separatists were farmers, poorly educated and without social or political standing. The historic voyage began on Sept. 16, 1620, with about 102 passengers aboard the vessel, Mayflower.

Our forefathers were men of great vision and are legends in American History. Some of our forefathers are, John Alden, William Bradford, John Carver, Miles Standish, just to name a few.

Later the, "New World" would again face the struggle of freedom in a war with England. The order of the day, "United we stand, divided we fall." In the words of Francis Scott Key, "… the bombs bursting in air, gave proof to the night that our flag was still there. Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave, for the land of the free and the home of the brave." Through all the struggles America has endured, we have received our independence and to this date have become the greatest nation on earth in the name of freedom, justice and liberty for all.

I do not begin to suggest that our ideals are perfect, nor do I think any system of Government, be it free or socialistic, perfect. What I do believe is that God does give us a right to choose for ourselves and without God a nation can not stand in truth. Our founding fathers deemed it necessary to maintain a foundation based on religious freedom and religious principles. We should be, "One Nation under God…"

The fact that today America has so many diverse cultures with a number of religious beliefs only strengthens the proof of our tolerance to allow religious freedom without persecution.

There are however religious zealots or radicals who are hell bent on forcing their religious beliefs on others. Throughout the ages war after war has resulted in endeavors to control and remove religious freedom. Yet even after this terrible terrorist act against the United States of America, I am certain that the symbols of America will remain solid, as does the burning torch in the Statue of Liberty.

In these troubled times I ask each one of you who read this to remember these things as it represents the American flag, which was sown with love by Betsy Ross. Remember why our forefather came here. Remember the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Remember those who died to keep America free.

This is not the time to turn against Moslems who live in America, but a time to embrace them as our brothers and sisters and fellow Americans. The good of the many should not outweigh the actions of the few.

I am reminded here of one of the first messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje to the visionary children. She said, "In the village there is a woman who is very near sainthood." The children asked who this woman was. Upon hearing her name they asked, "How can this be, she is a Moslem?" Our Lady replied, "These things are for God to decide."

This is not mentioned here to suggest that these small groups of religious Moslem zealots who seek control are doing God's will. They certainly are not doing God's will. To unleash the terror that America was forced to swallow on September 11th was no act of God. God is the God of good and not evil, and the terrorist act upon the World Trade Center and the Pentagon is an act to force America too swallow the poison of evil. However, let us remember that not all Moslems think like these men who seek to destroy America and everything it stands for.

So in this I again ask that we embrace our Moslem family here in the U.S. and do not commit acts of violence against them. As Our Lady of Medjugorje said to the children, it is possible for a Moslem to be near Sainthood and these things are for God to decide. These are not things for us to decide.

In ending I remind us all of our American Anthem, …."America, America, God grant is grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."

We are the land of the free! We are the home of the brave! We will never yield too persecution! We will stand and fight (if need be) for truth and justice for all, in the name of "Liberty" and in the name of "Freedom!" United we stand, divided we fall, to the very last man, we will give it our all!

If you would like to write Medjugorje USA
email:info@medjugorjeusa.org