Orange Alert

Book excerpt: Much has happened in the three years since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001: what must we remember and what must we learn? This book, a tribute to the 26 Canadians who lost their lives in the twin towers that day, recounts the uniquely Canadian aspects of this world-scale story, through interviews, reflections and poems from Canadians from all walks of life. Political and business leaders, firefighters and emergency services workers, children and parents, ministers and philosophers, famous and anonymous. Read touching and heart-wrenching poems and reflections from elementary school children; remember your recollections of that day alongside John Manley, Rita MacNeil, Peter Dey and other Canadian leaders; reflect on your learnings and changes as you hear firsthand experiences of Ground Zero from journalists and disaster relief workers. These stories and reflections run the gamut of our collective journey that began on September 11th. Beginning with disbelief and overwhelming grief, moving through acts of sacrifice, courage and hospitality, our journey of healing and hope is ongoing and still palpable. Through all the sadness, fear and darkness, above all these stories are about how good prevailed on September 11th, and how good can prevail if we make the right choices today. Also visit the author's website at www.orangealert.ca.