Sir, - I'm from New York. My family lives on 20th Street in Manhattan. They are fine, thank God; they have neighbours who are not.
I just want to add my voice to those of all the Americans who are thanking the Irish right now. The kindness and sympathy of the Irish people for us in this terrible moment has been overwhelming. We will never forget it.
It is difficult to be away from home when a crisis strikes your country. Last Wednesday I went to the American embassy to sign the book of condolences, primarily to meet and talk with other Americans. To my surprise, everyone waiting in line around me was Irish. And they were just as stricken as I. Then when I saw the masses of flowers that was so terrible, I couldn't stop staring at them. It seems that when you're grieving its easier to withstand indifference, but sympathy really gets to you.
Then, on Friday, I stopped by the American Assistance and Solidarity Centre that the Dublin City Centre Business Association had organised in the St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre. When I entered the building, I was immediately struck by the red, white and blue banners hanging everywhere and the American flag. It had the same effect on me as the flowers at the American embassy. Tears, obviously. - Yours, etc.,
Loretta Buckley, Clare Street, Dublin 2.