The pages of a solemn, white-covered condolence book to be sent to the US Government are filling with expressions of grief and support from Bermuda.

The trickle of people into City Hall foyer has been so constant that the Corporation of Hamilton has decided to keep the book out for an additional week - till next Friday - so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to add their comments.

The styles of the 200-odd hand written notes are as varied as the backgrounds of those sending their wishes. Bermudians, Americans, Canadians, Filipinos, Jamaicans, Europeans - have all committed to the page their common feelings of despair, disbelief and horror over last week's terrorist attacks in the United States.

Some messages are simple - a solitary "sorry" or a peace symbol - while others have turned to the words of their favourite poets quoting John Donne and A.H. Clough.

One woman even brought in a small, teddy bear to go along with her condolences. Adorned in red, white and blue ribbons, the blue card attached to the bear reads:

"USA is a proud bear. He bears the colours red, white and blue. Please give him a new home in America and show him care. Take comfort in knowing Bermuda will continue to pray for you."

Local people extended their prayers and sympathy to the families of those lost.

"I truly pray that the terrorist attacks and pain end quickly," one message read.

"We here in Bermuda, and all around the world, are terribly saddened by the tragedy in your country," wrote another. "You are in our prayers daily."

One family wrote: "I will never forget for my whole life those magnificent towers that dominated New York. It helped me when someone described them or called them: Hope and Pride."

"As a Bermudian who was employed on the US bases (Navy and Air Force) all my working life, and who retired when the first base closed, I cannot find the words to say how I feel about this awful tragedy," said one local woman. "My thoughts are with you."

Alternatively, Americans who found themselves in Bermuda as the tragedy unfolded cried out for home and thanked Bermuda.

"I have believed for some time that citizenship is defined by the country one will defend and one loves," one American wrote. "As an American abroad I am reminded of the many things I love about our country and am grateful for the support of our peer countries."

"While I've been here in Bermuda celebrating my husband and my 25th anniversary, I have been overwhelmed by the loving support our country has received from Bermuda and its people," added Karyn Turnage of Tennessee.

A Virginia visitor wrote simply: "They will not overwhelm us."

One widow wrote out in memory of her husband - "a great American" who served his country in the Second World War. "Somewhere in Heaven he is crying with his country."

Some messages came from families, others from individuals.

"At the eve of this cloud, there is a golden sky," was one message.

Finally, the management and staff of Magistrates' Court collectively sent their condolences in a passage.

Among the prayers and tender passages, one phrase rang out most often:

"God bless America."

Picture: Americans Erin Moore and Robert Krege who came to Bermuda on their honeymoon sign the condolences book in the City Hall foyer.