In remembrance of the nearly 3,000 lives that perished in the terror attacks on the United States on 11 September 2001, some 1,000 people gathered at the Singapore Soka Association (SSA) for a simple yet significant ceremony jointly organised by SSA and Singapore-based humanitarian relief organisation Mercy Relief (MR).
Led by religious leaders from Singapore’s main faiths, attendees kept their heads bowed solemnly as they observed a minute’s silence to mark the 10th year since the attacks. While conveying their peace message, the religious leaders called for mutual understanding and harmony.
In his address, Speaker of Parliament and adviser to Mercy Relief Mr Abdullah Tarmugi said: ‘Singaporeans have reacted reasonably and positively. We have shown great restraint, courage, maturity and adaptability in dealing with the crisis.
‘But with increasing connectivity through the Internet and the new media, people now have greater access to unlimited information, including various ideologies, which can cause disharmony and distrust among the various members of society. ‘Hence, we must continue to be attentive and united as we mould our lives and landscape into the future.’
SSA Chairman, Mr Oh Kheng Yam reiterated the organisation’s commitment towards peace and harmony in his closing speech, “As a religious organisation, SSA endeavours to promote understanding and friendship within the community through peace, culture and education.
We appreciate your friendship and partnership in our humble journey of peace-building. We are confident that as long as we stand united with this shared belief, true humanistic harmony and lasting peace is definitely achievable.”
