By:LAURA LANE
The early evening sky was brilliantly splattered with different shades of red, and orange, as white cotton ball clouds slowly drifted. The Atlantic Ocean methodically crashed waves of foam onto Minnesota Beach. Preparing for 7:00, a group of area residents
gathered. Holding candles, making torches from stem candles and plastic cups, and helping to light one another's candles, they stood united. Out in the ocean, a fleet of American war ships sat quietly.
I needed to do something,organizer Michelle Kaufer said. I felt very helpless. Passing out flyers and calling local radio and television stations, Kaufer tried to advertise the Friday evening event. She hoped
that coming together would provide whatever might help people deal with the tragedy at The World Trade Center. Every morning that I wake up, I think that it's a dream,she said. "I guess we all feel that
way.
About 50 people came to the 7 p.m. vigil at Minnesota Beach. Standing in a semi circle they prayed, sang, and shared with each other the pain that was tearing them apart.
It's my 40th birthday,Lisa Durkin said. I sent an e-mail to my friends and made them all come down. I don't feel like celebrating my birthday. I thought I could celebrate life down here where it's so beautiful. It's good to reflect on what we have.
Two army helicopters approached. As they passed by everyone looked up and either waved, or waved their flags. All began to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Tim Robinson, a former paratrooper in the Army wore a bandanna depicting the American flag on his head. As the helicopters disappeared, he stood in the center of the semicircle. This is the worst thing that ever happened to us,he said. But, we will prevail. We won't hide in our homes like they are. America will
get it done. People began to recite prayers and then sang
Caroline Bishop joined in the songs. Her brother was fortunate. Working on the 21st floor of Tower 2, he had escaped, running after the other building was hit. Bishop is in the Air National Guard. When I got the call from the government, I said I would be available. I told them to put my name on the list.
Pat Werlick remembered Tuesday as a day when her whole town was devastated. Everyone ran out of their houses. We had a lot of people who worked downtown. We don't know what happened to them.
Richard Nyman can understand her sentiments entirely. Working in Manhattan, he is usually in the Midtown area, but he spent Monday downtown at the Trade Center on the 21st floor. I feel angry and sad,he said. I can't help wondering what happened to those people
on the 21st floor. His wife Susan agreed also admitting to feeling scared. You hope that something is done right away, but you feel sad for them. They have families too.
As the sun set, in total darkness, candles illuminated the faces of the group who now held hands. After singing still another patriotic song, they each spoke. One at a time, they shared how they felt, their
regrets, their hopes for the future, and they cried. Out in the ocean the lights from the fleet lit up the night sky.
