SALT LAKE CITY —; While characterizing the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as a "pernicious assault" and "an evil conspiracy," a member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today offered sympathy to victims' families and urged citizens to be loyal to the United States and its leaders.
James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency spoke at a noon memorial service. The service included prayers for the United States, leaders of nations worldwide, and for the victims of September 11 plus several hymns and anthems performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, including "America the Beautiful" and "The Lord's Prayer."
"With it came a loss of feeling secure," reflected President Faust. "However, the greatest tragedy of it all was the loss of human life. All were innocent. Over 2,800 were killed with malice aforethought. The death of even one person among our citizenry is incalculable."
The memorial service was held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City with an estimated 4,500 people filling the building to capacity. Lines formed an hour before the service began with an overflow crowd watching the proceedings in the nearby Assembly Hall. Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, conducted the public meeting.
President Faust's concluding comments emphasized America's divine origins and its citizens' responsibilities. "These ignoble acts of terrorism reawakened in all of us an appreciation for our blessed land," he said. "Ours is the most favored nation ever established on this planet."
He continued: "God Almighty established this land. He raised up giants among men as our founding fathers. They acted for us, 'the people,' who were and who remain sovereign. The motto stamped on our coins, 'In God We Trust,' must also be stamped in our hearts and minds."