By Staff
Sept. 19, 2001
We have said it before but it bears repeating: Mississippians are among the most giving people on earth. Nowhere has that spirit of giving been more visible than right here in our local area as people join together to help in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist assault on America.
Eight days ago, most of us were caught up in our own little worlds of work, school and recreational pursuits. Today, we recognize the stark fact that  even in America terrorism can quickly change our lives.
Locally, contributions of money, blood and items to help replenish the stocks of emergency personnel working around the clock in New York and Washington have been nothing short of extraordinary. Children have given the money in their piggy banks and drawn cards expressing our community's condolences. Volunteers have offered to travel at their own expense and help relieve exhausted emergency crews.
In a time of national crisis, let it be said that our community has pulled together and will continue do everything in our power to comfort the families of victims and assist police, fire and other rescue personnel.
We believe President Bush, U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering and our other leaders who tell us a long road lies ahead in the war against terrorism. We will find the strength to conduct this war because we believe in America.