Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Let’s get back to work

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2001 | 11:52 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

A WEEK HAS PASSED since the senseless slaughter of several thousand Americans took place before millions of television viewers over the world. Mourning has been the theme of American life during the past days, and it will only begin and not end for large numbers of our fellow citizens for many weeks and months.

The rest of us must return to work and prepare a society that will make it easier for the mourners to face the future. Our communities, businesses, schools and churches have the responsibility to help them and continue to provide the loving understanding and services they need to heal and again return to their role as viable fellow citizens.

New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and President George W. Bush have expressed the importance for Americans to regain some sense of the normalcy we felt eight days ago. Giuliani, a strong leader during the time of crisis, set a good example on Sunday. He took time from depressing scenes of tragedy to keep a promise and attend the wedding of Diane Gorumba. He made the promise to walk her down the aisle several weeks ago when attending the funeral of a firefighter -- her brother. Both her father and grandfather had died in the previous year.

Successfully facing tragedy and threats to our way of life can't be met by people, especially leaders, running for cover and hiding. Returning to productive and normal routines is vital for success. For this very reason it was wise for the Clark County School District to allow the high schools to play football games scheduled last Friday.

It was 10 years ago, when Israel was under attack by missiles from Iraq, that I wrote:

Nevertheless this morning and early afternoon the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, with Isaac Stern playing the violin and Zubin Mehta directing, was performing at Beit Hahayal in Tel Aviv. No they weren't playing before standing room only crowds because as a precautionary measure all places of entertainment, including basketball games, are limited to crowds that will fill only half the gymnasium or hall.

In that same report from Tel Aviv I told of children from destroyed homes continuing their education. One encounter was relayed when writing:

A small brown-eyed girl on her way home from school said it best when my friend asked her in Hebrew, "You weren't scared when the missile hit, were you?" She looked up and answered, "Yes I was scared." Her eyes reflected deep concern as she made her way to a nearby house.

I'd say that both the mayor and our president are on the right track when telling us to "get back to work." These words should be taken to heart by laborers, athletes, students, business owners, government employees, security people and every other productive citizen. We all have an important role to play in the success of our nation today and in future weeks, months and years.