Interfaith Unity Walk Commemorates 9/11

September 21, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: The India Post

http://indiapost.com/article/communitypost/3928/

A handful of religious organizations sponsored the 9/11 Unity Walk, a gathering to commemorate the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks and promote interfaith solidarity and peace-building.

The event, now in its fourth year, takes place simultaneously in Washington DC and New York. More than five hundred participants representing a wide array of faith traditions took part in the ceremonial walks, interfaith prayer services, and community feast, held on Sept 15 this year.The New York City program began with a kirtan group from ISKCON setting a meditative mood as participants gathered together at Battery Park's 9/11 Memorial. Krishna devotees chanted mantras, accompanied by harmonium, cymbals, and traditional Bengali drum beats.

The kirtan was followed by an opening interfaith ceremony, and then participants were led on a somber hour-long walk from Battery Park to the World Trade Center site - now infamously known as Ground Zero. Carrying a banner bearing the logo and message of Religions for Peace, the interfaith delegation stopped briefly where the Twin Towers had once stood and offered silent prayers while laying down flowers. The walk continued on to nearby St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church where participants gathered to share reflections.