The following letter was given to President David
Benke by Congressman Gary Ackerman at a meeting at Saint Peter Lutheran
Church, Brooklyn, N.Y. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick was also at that meeting to
speak to the members of Benke's congregation and of the Atlantic District.
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
July 11, 2002
Reverend Dr. David Benke, and
Members of the Board of Directors,
Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
171 White Plains Road
Bronxville, New York, 10708
Dear Gentlemen:
We write to express our greatest appreciation of Dr. David Benke for his
participation in the September 23rd civic program at Yankee Stadium held in
remembrance of all those who perished in the horrific events of September
11th.
This public program was a wonderful display of the healing power that
charity and understanding can bring to those suffering from grief, loss and
trauma. His words of comfort, hope and encouragement offered to all of the
individuals present as well as watching and listening from their homes across
the nation illustrated the tremendous strength of the American people when
united against hate.
The extraordinary civic occasion at Yankee Stadium offered the necessary
opportunity for the American people to publicly express their support for the
families of the victims of September 11th as well as the emergency, fire and
police workers who were called to action on that tragic day. It was a
momentous occasion where thousands of Americans publicly began the healing
process in the company of our communities' political, civic and religious
leaders.
The participation of representatives from all parties and all walks of
faith illustrated the true strength of our nation in our ability to come
together, united as Americans, in the wake of our country's greatest disaster.
Standing on state shoulder to shoulder with his fellow Americans he bravely
offered assurance and consolation in words of comfort for us.
We would like to offer our personal thanks for his strength and
participation in what has universally been considered an overwhelmingly
positive patriotic gathering in the wake of September 11th. Please know that
in these difficult days, Dr. Benke has our continued support and admiration as
he works to fulfill the good intentions of his vocation and his elected
position by serving the needs of the members of his parish, his district, and
our communities.
Sincerely,
SIGNERS
Representative Charles Stenholm
Representative Norman Dicks
Representative Sherrod Brown
Representative Gary Ackerman
Representative Lois Capps
Representative Colin Peterson
Representative Darlene Hooley
Representative Ron Kind
Representative Martin Sabo
Representative Thomas Petri
Representative Michael Oxley