Havel and Giuliani
Went into Manhattan this morning to see Czech President Vaclav Havel present an award to Rudy Giuliani at St. Paul’s Chapel, which sits next to Ground Zero. The award was the presidential medal for bravery and accomplishment, which Giuliani said he accepted on behalf of the rescue workers and the people of New York City.

St. Paul’s not only served as the “home away from home” for many of the rescue workers, but was also the spot where George Washington came to pray shortly after his inauguration down the street and was the place Giuliani gave his farewell address as mayor in December.

As Havel and Giuliani walked in the chapel this morning, everyone in the place immediately stood up, and stayed standing until the rector asked them to sit. Though Giuliani twice referred to Czechoslovakia rather than the Czech Republic, it was a solemn little ceremony.

I don’t have a lot in my notebook, but here’s some bits. Havel, speaking entirely in English, said of the Sept. 11 events: “It was an attack against us all, against civilization, against humanity.” And Giuliani described Havel as a man who understands the human soul.
- posted by Amy @ 9/20/2002 03:52:00 PM