Editor:

Well, as you can imagine the mood here is very somber. We’ve all been dealing with this tragedy in our own ways, but one thing is for sure. We’ve been glued to the television, and in some ways have been brought closer together. It is hard to imagine such a thing, and it has been even harder since we are so far removed from the action. The comraderie of the british people has been quite reassuring. They too have felt the sorrow that the American people have felt. It is comforting. Personally, I have been torn up inside. While being amazed at the possibility of such a disaster, I also feel chills thinking about what it could have been like. It is almost like a bad movie over here. The news unfolds on the television screen.

I spent some time in our College’s Chapel last night. A strange reason to be visiting such a beautiful building for the first time. It was a time to think, but mostly a time to be grateful for what we all have.

I guess I feel lucky. There doesn’t seem to be any reason to the madness, nor does there seem to be any line drawn protecting the innocent. All of us here have taken more time to think about our safety, though we are lucky to be in such a compassionate country.

I too am worried at the response our government will take. I just worry that peace and safety may be at risk. I sit here watching the news while I write this. There seems to be a never ending supply of information and commentary. But sometimes there is a need to move on."

Since that day we have all been deeply touched by the comraderie and sympathy extended to us by the British people. Several times while in public we’ve had British citizens come up to us and ask if we were Americans. Slightly afraid that we had been too noisy, we admit the fact. They pour out there emotions, and truly want to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us.

I can’t imagine what the mood is at Pomona. I can only bet that it is one of strong support, and extreme patriotism. The callings of recent days have been those of pride at being an American. Because of the support from every country around us, I can honestly say that I’m proud to be part of this Earth. The lines to the American Embassy in London have been longer than those to Buckingham Palace. Thousands upon thousands wait in turn, and just to have a moment of deepest silence.

Last Friday at 11am, the entire city of Oxford joined the rest of the European Union in three minutes of silence. The news footage that evening, showed just how still everything was. In the city center, where hoards of people usually rush past to get to the other side of town, not a single person was moving. Buses stopped in the middle of intersections, drivers got out of there cars. In a city where tourism thrives, hundreds of people from dozens on nations were joined together.

In some ways, I guess if I had to be somewhere other than at home during this tragedy, I would choose here. As a group of Pomona students we have become closer, and found comfort within each other. This is something we will always remember, and I’m happy that I was with my friends from Pomona.

I hope that you and yours are well. I have been hearing from students at Pomona how the college has responded, and I must say that I am happy to hear everything they say.

Take care of yourself, and Pomona while we are gone.

Cheers,

Grant Keeney ’03