New York update II - 11/8/2011

We were literally carried in the arms of the people. Mile for mile flew by ... A spectacle that has no equal.

The support of the crowd was phenomenal almost breathtaking. Even the Fire Fighters and Police Officers on the edge of the course gave us there support and shouted "We are thankful," "Well done, we are proud of you." This support accompanied us to the finish and encouraged us to carry out the wreath-laying ceremony the following day. About 30 people were present at the ceremony at Ground Zero. Among others, Linda Giammona (director of the police and fire fighters widow's and children's benefit fund), Ellen Goelz (consul of the German Embassy), Dr. Andrea Hanke (Münster), Michael Brinkmann (Chairman of Volksbank Munster marathon) and the vice president of the Meshi Centre (Jerusalem).

Linda gave an impressive speech, which was overflowing with gratitude. She pointed out that not only our donation of $ 7,500 was important, but our message of goodwill. And that's exactly what we felt during the marathon. She tearfully told that her brother Vincent was also a passionate "runner" and lost his life as a proud Firefighter. A strong desire to finish his first marathon, remained missing however. Therefore, John ran the New York City Marathon with three personal items from Vincent Giammona. For Linda, this was more than just a message of peace, it was the beginning of a friendship with us.

The delivery of the message of peace from Osnabrück and Münster at the City Hall of New York, was taken on behalf of Mayor Mr. M Bloomberg by Ms. Leslie Slocum. Leslie expressed her gratitude for the proclamation and our guest book. She confirmed that it would be handed over to Mr. Bloomberg and a suitable place would be found for it.

An unusual project for us is hereby ended. However, the pride and personal impressions remain, the recognition we became help us to understand what it means to send a sign of peace throughout the world.

Give peace a chance!