Here is something tangible we can all do - make sure that the young men and women on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt we support them by e-mailing them.

Those e-mails will be distributed to individuals on board so everyone will get mail from home with messages of support and encouragement.

To begin a correspondence with "your" sailor write to the addresses below.
Please pass this message on.

Dear Capt. O'Hanlon,

On behalf of my family, I want you and the entire crew of the Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71 to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you sail to defend freedom and the United States during these very critical and dangerous times.

Words cannot express how proud we are of all of you and the wonderful way you and the ship have upheld and defended the most fundamental principles for which our country stands, and we know you will continue in this great tradition.
We are convinced that Theodore Roosevelt himself would certainly have one thing to say to you all: "Bully!"

Good luck and God bless America.
Tweed Roosevelt

Dear Captain O'Hanlon,

As the senior member of our TR family, daughter of Ethel R. Derby , I add my sentiments to those of our united family and country in wishing you and your crew success. It has been a proud moment, in the midst of our anguish to know that our CVN 71 is heading into harms way.

Our hopes and prayers our cheering you on in what cannot fail to be a successful mission.

God Bless the USS Theodore Roosevelt and all aboard in your patriotism and your instant response.

I have never been prouder to be an American citizen.
Edith Roosevelt Derby Williams

Dear fellow Americans:

The Board of Directors and Staff of the Theodore Roosevelt Association send their deepest condolences to the families and friends of those lost in the tragic events of Tuesday, Sept 11, 2001.

America has been robbed of the life, love, talent and energy of those lost. With so many of our members living or working in the New York City, DC and Boston areas it is difficult to estimate how many members and friends are directly or closely affected by these horrific events. Our hearts go out to you all.

It is sadly ironic that almost exactly 100 years ago, Americans experienced another national tragedy, the death of President William McKinley. As we grieve our losses today and yesterday, we are reminded how fragile life is, and how it can never be taken for granted.

Theodore Roosevelt applauded those who undertook the strenuous life, and proclaimed the valor of those "in the arena", the "doers of deeds." We too now applaud those heroic rescuers and volunteers, who are stepping forward to help those who are wounded or worse. By their deeds they demonstrate the very core of American values.

This exerpt from the words of Theodore Roosevelt come to mind. These words are dedicated now to the American people, especially those grieving and those working so hard to overcome this tragic attack:

"It is by no means necessary that a great nation should always stand at the heroic level. But no nation has the root of greatness in it unless in time of need it can rise to the heroic mood."

Theodore Roosevelt,
Fear God and Take Your Own Part, 1916

Sincerely,

The Theodore Roosevelt Association

From:
"Roosevelt Study Center"
Sent:
Wednesday,
September 12, 2001
11:13 AM
To:
The Board of Directors of the Theodore Roosevelt Association

Dear Friends,
Words fail to express our feelings of shock and unbelief about the horrific event that took place yesterday. It is beyond imagination that human beings are capable of conceiving and carrying out such a horrible act of terrorism.

From the Netherlands we want you to know that we share your feelings of sorrow and disbelief. Our thoughts are with the American people on this dark moment in history. Together we should continue to fight for our common belief in democracy and human rights.

We wish you strength and courage in this difficult time. God bless you.

On behalf of the
Board of Directors of the Roosevelt Study Center,

Gert de Kok President

The following message was sent to be read at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, Buffalo, NY on September 14, 2001, the 100th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's Inauguration as the 26th President of the United States.

In 1901 the United States was shocked and in mourning because of the vicious act of an anarchist, who had assassinated President William McKinley. In 2001 the United States is shocked and in mourning because of the vicious acts of terrorists. There is a sad similarity between what happened in 1901 and in 2001. Both anarchism and terrorism seek to destroy government and society by breaking down the bonds that bind a nation together.

In 1901 the forces of evil did not prevail, and in 2001 the forces of evil will not prevail either. Theodore Roosevelt's Presidency turned the tragedy of 1901 into a triumph for the American republic, and we have no doubt that the sad events of 2001 will in the long run lead to a stronger American nation and a better world.

Remember the words of Theodore Roosevelt : "This country has never yet been called upon to meet a crisis in war or a crisis in peace to which it did not eventually prove equal. I preach the gospel of hope, of resolute and confident belief in the destiny of this mighty Republic. I believe in the future-- not in a spirit which will sit down and look for the future to work itself out, but with a determination to do its part in making the future what it can and shall be made."

Let us go forward, in the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt, to meet the challenges of 2001 just as one hundred years ago TR met the challenges of his times.

John Allen Gable, Executive Director
Theodore Roosevelt Association, Oyster Bay, New York