The following is the text of the speech given by US Consul General Denis P. Coleman Jr. at yesterday's Prayer Service of Remembrance at St. Theresa's Cathedral to mark the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

"Last week President George Bush issued a proclamation designating September 6, 7 and 8 as Days of Prayer and Remembrance. He recalled 'the thousands of innocent lives lost on that day' and 'the outpouring of compassion and faith that swept our nation in the face of the evil done that day'.

But compassion was not restricted to the United States alone. Here, on these islands just two hours from the shore of the United States, Bermudians and expatriates alike came together in disbelief, empathy and grief at the realisation of what had come to pass.

"In the immediate aftermath of the assault, when the nature of the attacks was still uncertain and when US airspace was closed, the Government of Bermuda quickly stepped forward to authorise nine planes, diverted from their US destinations, to land at Bermuda International Airport.

"More than one thousand passengers re-routed to Bermuda had need of accommodation for an unspecified period of time. Once again, Bermuda stepped forward. Tourism officials and ASB performed their jobs calmly, organising and shuttling passengers to lodgings at hotels and guest houses.. When all available rooms were full, Bermudians took the weary travellers into their own homes.

"Trying to come to grips with uncertainty, anxiety and grief, the people of Bermuda organised vigils to remember the dead and injured, to seek answers to the unknowable, to pray that it won't happen again. Two of the Island's own - Rondell Tankard and Boyd Gatton - perished in the attacks. Countless employees of the Island's international business sector with offices in the World Trade Towers, also lost their lives.

"As always, Bermudians demonstrated their generosity for which they are famous. Bermudians, and expatriates too, made donations to the Red Cross and to the American Society to help the relief effort. With their hearts, Island residents gave over half a million dollars to help the wounded and the families of the deceased.

"Children too expressed their grief and confusion at the terrorist attacks. Some organised fundraisers. Others drew pictures representing their understanding of what had occurred. Students at Saltus Grammar School collated their writings and drawings into book form as they tried to find comfort.

The events of September 11 altered the lives of us all. We could give in and give up, or we can rebuild our lives, recommit ourselves to preserving freedom, and resolve to work toward a world at peace. Let us honour those who have died and pray for wisdom, patience and strength as we go forward.

"Thank you, the people of Bermuda."