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B2 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 11, 2002 M illio n A Partnership That Works! A message from Joyce Savoline, Halton Regional Chairman As we observe the anniversary of September 11th, we are reminded of the heroism shown by the first responders to the fateful scenes a year ago, and also of the swift reaction of Halton's citizens and the public sector to the events as they unfolded. In Halton Region, we are grateful for the heroes who live and work among us in our own communities. Heroes exist in all walks of life, but today we express our gratitude to the paramedics, police officers and firefighters who choose their professions knowing the additional risks they face, and com mit their incredible resources of courage and selflessness for the benefit of the Halton community. They exemplify the best in all of us - as citizens, and as human beings. We were all deeply affected by the tragic events of last September. In a show of support for our American neigh bours, Halton staff and residents responded with compassion and countless offers of help. Emergency support units were dispatched to Peel Region to assist with U.S. flights that were diverted to nearby airports. Paramedics showed their support for the heroic efforts of fellow res cue workers in New York and Washington through a black ribbon campaign. Trucks and crews from area municipal fire departments were on standby to go to the U.S. to assist with the recov ery efforts. Staff and citizens expressed their sympathies and thoughts of hope in a Book of Condolences which was forwarded to New York State Governor George Pataki. Residents and staff also responded with countless offers of food, clothing, shelter, financial and blood donations. At this time of remembrance and reflection, we feel proud of the generous response of the Halton community and we honour the incredible contributions of our emergency service workers. My thanks to them for the courage and bravery they exhibit in times of duress, keeping our com munity safe. Sincerely, Joyce Savoline Halton Regional Chairman t tf e r o e s A m o n g U s Message from the Mayor Halton Region salutes our community heroes who risk their lives every day in the line of duty. The tragic events of last September 11th showed the world the danger and sacrifice that emergency service workers face every day in our own communities. We honour the incredible bravery and courage of the first responders to the fateful scenes nearly a year ago. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of those directly impacted by the tragedy, including the many Canadians who lost their lives on that tragic day. We are also reminded, of our Canadian Armed Forces who risk their lives overseas in the battle for peace, and we mourn the loss of the four Canadian soldiers who were killed while trying to keep our country safe. In Halton, as we reflect on the events of last September, we pay tribute to the community heroes that live and work among us - paramedics, police officers, and firefighters - the brave men and women who risk their lives to safeguard our families and our communities every day. It was a day no one will ever forget. September 11, 2001, the day the world changed. I remember the aston ishing events o f that morning. I remember listening to the radio as they broadcast the strike o f the first plane and then the second and the third. I remember the devastating pictures that flashed across our television screens hour after hour. I recall the stories in the newspapers, one horrific detail after another. Throughout the days that followed, I also recall the fellowship that was formed across the borders. Hundreds of fire, police and medical personnel, from across the United States and Canada, rushed to the aid o f their com rades in New York City. On behalf o f all Oakville residents, I would like to thank our own local heroes, organizations and members o f our community who came together unselfishly to offer support and encouragement to those in need. Several organizations opened their services to accept donations that went directly to the friends and families of the victims. Our medical personnel helped residents deal with the stress of the events; many citizens gave blood and others went to New York to show that Canada and Oakville cared; still others gathered together members of our faith communities to ask for strength and peace, justice not vengeance. It was a time for unselfish heroism and our citizens excelled. September 11, 2001 changed much about the way we view the world but what it cannot change is the good in people and our ability to overcome crises when we join together as one in love for our fellow man. A nn M ulvale MAYOR TOWN OF OAKVILLE W e b e lie v e ... in h e lp in g . Anyone. Anywhere. P LE A S E G IV E i 321-3433 We are all g ra tefu l for y o u r relentless courage and com m itm ent. Thank you. Halton Multicultural Council 635 Fourth Line, U nit 48 O akville Tel. (905) 8 4 2 -2486 Fax: (905) 842-8807 Burlington Tel. (905) 6 3 4 -6 5 8 8 M ilton T el.(905) 8 7 6 -1 2 4 4 North Halton Calls Tel. (905) 875-4915 M ulticultural services for im m igrants and refugees, Settlem ent & Integration, Job Search w orkshops, Language Instruction for N ew com ers to Canada (LINC) M ultilingual & A nti-R acism Education, etc.