Lynne: "Good morning. Sometimes I start thinking
and talking before I contact you. I'll have to curb my impatience.
The Remembrance Ceremony was very touching. We all know
that we aren't in the U.S., but as a concession to the many Americans,
we had a flag ceremony. Part of the Village Square was made to look like
part of the U.S. for this ceremony. I don't know the details of how that
was done. The firefighters, police officers, U.S. Military personnel and
the airline crews were all in their uniforms. All the people of the Village
gathered at the Square at 8:00. There were two podiums, one at the north
end and the other at the south end. David started the ceremony sharp at
8:00. He began at one end. He welcomed the people then explained about
the program. The International ceremony started first. David read a prepared
statement declaring that the Village was the home of survivors of the tragedy
of September 11th, 2001. He wanted all people to feel welcome no matter
what their backgrounds. He said a bit more about housing and where to get
help. Next came a solo of 'Ave Maria,' followed by two songs from the choir.
After that was done, David announced that anyone and everyone was welcome
to join the American services at the other end of the square. He said that
one didn't have to be an American to take part. The uniformed personnel
marched to the south end. The choir and most of the crowd moved over. There
we had a brass band with most of the choir. Although David was in charge,
he decided to turn over the podium to individuals who wanted to tell their
stories. About forty people had their say. Mostly, they wanted to thank
the people back home, their friends, colleagues, and families. They sent
messages home. It didn't matter that there was no direct link to Earth.
They talked as though there was. Old Glory (the American Flag) was lowered,
taps was played and some wreaths were laid at the edge of the fountain.
The choir sang 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' and then it was over.
Not many people had dry eyes. David didn't give his long speech. He told
the audience that he would rather have the individuals speak.
Now for a question, if you have time. I'll get right to
it. I was into research most of my adult life. I learned how to find material
and everything had a structure. Some structures were better than others.
I'm not just talking about buildings, but systems for storage and retrieval.
When I looked something up, I had to follow one procedure or another. Some
systems changed with better computers, but it was basic stuff with hard
drives instead of paper files and books. Civil structures were in place
in most civilized countries on Earth. Over here, I know how to retrieve
data, I go to the Library. Where do I go to find out about civil control?
Is there civil control? Is there a need for it? I feel that there must
be some type of civil control that I can't see, touch, or hear. Am I right?"
Bob: "Without getting into social studies, I'll give
you my opinion. I feel there is a type of control. It isn't visible to
you or many people where you are now. There doesn't appear to be the need
to have the types of administration found on Earth. This doesn't mean that
nothing is there. What is in place is something appropriate for where you
are now. The people of the Village felt that they wanted some person in
charge. They wanted a figure head or heads so you and David now have a
'job' of some type. You are administration."
Lynne: "I know, isn't that scary? We are meant to
lead these people, but we don't know where to lead them. Even the Pied
Piper had a plan. I thought that we would be in place until some figure
came from on High to lead us out of the wilderness so to speak. To think
that David and I are 'it,' gives me the shakes. Do you see any of this
changing soon?"
Bob: "Are you really that uncomfortable being in
the leadership position? Have there been demands on you that you couldn't
meet? Could you handle it for another month or two?"
Lynne: "I see where you're going with this. I feel
that yes, I can handle what I'm doing now for another year or two if necessary.
I just don't want to mess up and have people blame me for it. We didn't
get a set of instructions with the position. I don't even know what we
are meant to learn or if we are learning anything. No platitudes please.
Could you give this cowardly lion some courage?"
Bob: "Consider it done. Bend over and I'll plant
the courage injection in the appropriate place."
Lynne: "The things you have to do to help people
are weird, aren't they? I feel better already. I guess we are 'it' in the
game of Heavenly tag. Thank you for your patience and understanding. It
is wonderful to have someone helping when we get overwhelmed. God bless
you and yours."
(Later)
David: "There is a problem with having nothing to
do. I can now think of things to bother other people. I take you at your
word. You told me that I could contact you any time. Maybe I should just
say hi. So, 'hi Bob.'
Lynne told you about the ceremony this morning. It was
very touching and it turned into a catharsis for some people in the Village.
They were given a chance to talk in whatever way they wanted. Not one of
the speakers abused the privilege. Not one word was spoken in anger. For
the most part, they addressed the people left behind back home on Earth.
The speakers knew that those back home couldn't hear them, but that didn't
matter. Each person here thought of himself or herself as a survivor not
as a victim. I overheard one firefighter say that there are only survivors
here. We can only be victims if we let them win. He spoke for all of us
when he said that. Bye for now."
