Lord Mayor presents the Bell of Hope in New York Picture is available at: http://www.naeurope.co.uk/en/galerie.htx?type=ops

New York, London 12.09.2002 (PROTEXT/ots) - The Lord Mayor ofthe City of London, Alderman Michael Oliver, in a moving ceremonyin New York today presented the Bell of Hope that he hadspecially cast to commemorate September 11 2001.

He said: "It is my great privilege at this momentous time topresent this bell on behalf of the City of London to TrinityChurch, Wall Street. This is in remembrance of the terribleattacks on the World Trade Center on September 11 of last year.In presenting this bell, I am mindful of the great history whichlinks our two cities, over centuries of achievement - andespecially in times of conflict and adversity.

"Trinity Church itself is the daughter church of St Mary-le-Bow in the City of London. After the end of the Second WorldWar, St Mary-le-Bow sent a bell to Trinity in gratefulremembrance of the contribution of the United States of Americatowards the Allied victory.

"Once more we offer you a bell as a sign of empathy. Itrepresents the deep and abiding friendship of the people ofLondon for the people of New York after the tragedy of 9/11.

"Terrorism has become the scourge of the modern world, and infacing this threat London stands shoulder to shoulder with NewYork. "May the Bell ring out loud and clear to celebrate thespirit and resilience of the people of New York."

The Lord Mayor made two powerful speeches later in the dayaffirming the close ties of friendship between the City ofLondon and the City of New York.

At a lunch hosted by the Rector of Trinity Church, he said:"The ties between London and New York are immensely strong andimportant, and never was this more clear than during the darkhours and days of September last year.

"At that terrible time, London was prouder than ever to beNew York's sister city. Standing by to offer support andsolidarity as you bravely faced the challenge of the terrorists.

"Terrorism is the scourge of the modern world, and we mustall work together to defeat it. It is a menace that can strikeanywhere, but, as last September so tragically proved, centressuch as London and New York will always be targets for thoseseeking to cause devastation and despair.

"We are united in our determination to overcome this terriblemenace to society, not only through sharing information andskills, but also by refusing to be bowed by the terrorists'threats.

"By taking encouragement from one another, we can stand firmagainst this terror. The fight against terrorism goes on. Butit is the strong friendship between the citizens of New York andLondon which offers the hope of destroying the terroriststhemselves."

At a dinner last night, the Lord Mayor said: "Sixty-oneBritons died in the disaster. The whole of London was with youin spirit during those terrible early hours. We continue tokeep in touch and to support our allies, friends, and familieshere in New York City.

"When Mayor Giuliani came to visit me in London last year, hespoke of how the people of New York drew strength from theexample of Londoners during the Blitz. They, like us, did notgive in to the terror at the darkest moments, but found thecourage, in the words of Winston Churchill, 'to face the dangerhead on, without flinching'.

"And we are still standing, still facing that danger, stillnot flinching. Never flinching. "The United States hasexperienced a great evil, but as Churchill said, 'the world mustroll forwards.'"

"We must be careful, however, to take it forwards in waysthat breeds friendship and not dissent, understanding and notdivision, peace and not fear."

For further information, please contact: David Thompson on020 332 1752, mobile 07881 628232 e-maildavid.thompson@corpoflondon.gov.uk out-of-hours e-maildavid.thompson28@virgin.net

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