THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505200098
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
A simple thank you seems so inadequate to express the gratitude the people of this city feel for the contribution the Virginia Beach Fire Department made during our time of crisis. Please know that you and your families, who also made a sacrifice of their time with you, have our heartfelt thanks.
As you might imagine, it took sturdy pioneer stock to settle this land called Oklahoma and our people will persevere; however, having your support in our time of need was a blessing for which there is no adequate expression of thanks.
Patty Whitecotton, Mustang, Okla.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department came, they saw and they wept along with us: tears of rage, frustration, compassion and, yes, tears of joy and comfort, of hope for a better tomorrow.
The men and women of this team became one with us, joined in a common cause. There were no barriers, no separations; just people helping people, hands reaching out, words of comfort offered.
A lot of Virginia remained in Oklahoma when your team left, and I'm sure a bit of Oklahoma went home with them.
Lonnie Henderson, Washita, Okla.
Thank you, Virginia Beach, for your support! Only the lowest form of humanity could willfully commit the heinous crime against our families and neighbors in Oklahoma City. We choose to cling to our memory of the representatives of the highest form of humanity personified by your Virginia Beach Fire Department and others from across the United States who worked tirelessly throughout the tragic aftermath of the bombing.
The Alfred P. Murrah building will be razed, but the memory of the building populated by rescuers will last our lifetime.
Mary Jo Barton, Oklahoma City, Okla.
The untiring efforts, the goodness and tenderness your Virginia Beach Fire Department displayed to all of us is something we will never forget. They were magnificent! I am just one resident of Oklahoma City, but I needed to tell all of you who reside in Virginia Beach how very fortunate you are to have men and women of this caliber in your midst.
Although you are many miles away, the bond that was forged on April 19 will always be with us. They have become part of our family now, and I want you in Virginia Beach, the citizens of the state of Virginia and the nation to know that you have heroes living among you.
Patricia Taylor, Oklahoma City, Okla. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by PAUL AIKEN,
KEYWORDS: OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING by CNB