Throughout history there have been certain defining moments, events that molded many a nation's path with a broad brush, instead of fine touch. Such moments are often based in tragedy, and are too well known to be recited herewith. On the morning of Tuesday, September 11th the first such moment of this century occurred within New York and Pennsylvania, and also in the District of Columbia. At times like this, when such a tragic loss has taken place, citizens seek their families for solace. Our extended Cameron family is no different. In the days since those four hijacked airliners shook the foundations of the United States, Camerons from throughout the world have been in touch with one another, seeking reassurances from each other and expressing both support and condolences.

Within twenty-four hours word was received from George J. Cameron, President of the Clan Cameron Association's Mid-Atlantic Branch, reassuring clansfolk that he and his family were all right. George, a resident of Jersey City, New Jersey, had worked at the New York Stock Exchange for thirty-five years, and his duties carried him between the Exchange and the World Trade Center on a very regular basis. The Association breathes a sigh of relief in knowing that George was not on Manhattan Island that morning.

While lists detailing those who lost their lives in this senseless attack are far from complete at this time, Camerons have not been among reported casualties or the missing. The Clark, Martin and Taylor septs of Clan Cameron have been far less fortunate. It should be emphasized that none of the following individuals seem to have been active members within the Clan Cameron Association. We include them here in tribute, as heroic fallen clansfolk who we will regrettably never have the chance to "unite" with. To their families go our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Karen Martin, a forty-year-old flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11, reported to duty on the morning of September 11th on board a Boeing 767 departing from Boston, bound for Los Angeles. At 8:45 AM this plane would strike the north tower of the World Trade Center, setting in motion events that would change the skyline of Manhattan forever. Just after Ms. Martin's flight left Logan Airport, a Boeing 757 departed Washington's Dulles International Airport, also bound for Los Angeles. On board were both Leonard Taylor and Sarah Clark. Mr. Taylor, a forty-five-year-old employee of Xon Tech, a defense research firm based in Rosslyn, Virginia, was married and had two young daughters. Sixty-five year old Ms. Clark resided in Columbia, Maryland, and was a teacher at Backus Middle School, located in Washington D.C. She taught for nearly half her life and was looking forward to retirement next year. Ms. Clark had boarded Flight 77 with several children from her sixth-grade class, on a class trip to Santa Cruz, California. After heading westward, their plane would circle back and eventually crash into the Pentagon at 9:39AM. At the Pentagon two Taylors were both busy at work that morning, on the Northwest side of the building. Sandra Taylor, from Alexandria, Virginia, was a civilian employee of the U.S. Army. In nearby offices Major Kip Taylor, a thirty-eight year old Michigan native, was working in the adjutant general's corps, in his capacity as key aide to Lt. General Timothy Maude. His brother, Lt. Colonel Dean Taylor described his brother as "the poster boy for the U.S. Army." Kip is survived by his wife, Nancy, and one child, with another baby due this October.

In addition to those on board the various hijacked flights, and at the Pentagon, there were also four Clarks and five Taylors working in the World Trade Center whom are missing:

Thomas Richard Clark and Christopher Robert Clarke were both employed for Sandler O'Neill Partners, and were last seen on the 104th floor of Tower 2 on the morning of September 11th.

Across the way, on the 104th floor of Tower 1 Cantor Fitzgerald employees Gregory A. Clark and Mike Taylor were just beginning their work day when the planes hit the Center.

There were others......

Benjamin Clark of Crown Heights, New York was on the 96th floor of Tower 1 working for Fiduciary Trust Company

Thirty-seven year old Donnie Taylor, of New York, was last seen in the AON offices on the 102nd floor of Tower 2

Jerry C. Taylor of Marroittsville and Micheal Anthony Taylor of Brooklyn, a Zurich American Insurance Company employee, were not seen after 8AM on the morning of September 11th

Lorisa Taylor, from Marsh & McLennan, never left the 94th floor of Tower 1 that fateful morning.

All of these World Trade Center employees are still officially listed as "missing."

The worldwide reaction to this horrible tragedy has been heartwarming. On behalf of the Lochiel family, Donald Angus Cameron, Younger of Lochiel, sent along the following words of comfort, which many have seen featured on the website:

"To our American friends

What can we possibly say that can be of any help or comfort to you after the terrible events of September 11th? We can only tell you that our thoughts and prayers are with you and that we fervently hope that your courage and your determination to win through will sustain you in the days and months ahead.

God bless America.

Donald, Cecil, Catherine, Donald Andrew, Lucy and Emily"

Always supportive, and a valued partner within the umbrella that comprises Clan Cameron North American, the Canadian Region has extended their sympathy, via their President, Jeanine Avigdor:

"Hello Dear Friends/Extended Family,

You are in my thoughts and my heart."

As Scottish-Americans, many Camerons in the U.S. have taken great solace in the outpouring of sympathy and support from Scotland. Moments of silence were observed in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as other communities, in addition to the stars and stripes being flown over Edinburgh Castle. Citizens of Lockerbie, who know all too well how such a tragedy can affect a community, were one of the first to offer their condolences. In that these attacks took place within the Northern U.S., Sonia Cameron-Jacks, President of Clan Cameron Scotland's North of Scotland Region, passed along the following condolences:

"On behalf of members of Clan Cameron Association, Northern Region, Scotland, recently twinned with the Northern U.S. Region, I send our most heartfelt sympathy to all Americans at this awesome moment in your history. Our hearts bleed for the thousands of innocent victims in New York, Washington and elsewhere, and for those of your compatriots who mourn their loved ones and friends. In particular to those members of Clan Cameron who may be caught up in this appalling tragedy, our prayers are for you all."

Condolences were also received from Elena and Richard Ewen Faulkner, members of Clan Cameron who reside in France.

"We would like to just convey how sad we both feel with the appalling news from New York. We can only imagine the horror, revulsion and deep sadness that all Americans must be feeling at this time. The French people are absolutely revolted by what has happened and have expressed their solidarity with the American people. As a fellow clansman I share your sadness and anger. The entire free world is with you in this terrible time.

God bless America."

In London Prime Minister Tony Blair and Queen Elizabeth, who returned early from her vacation in Scotland, were among some 2,000 people who attended a special service for the American community at St. Paul's Cathedral to honor those who died in the attacks. John Moses, dean of St. Paul's, told BBC radio "This an opportunity for people in the UK to stand shoulder to shoulder with the American people...and in a very small way share their grief over this tragedy and join together in prayer." There was also a military band which played the U.S. national anthem at an unprecedented Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, in a show of solidarity with the American people. Britain, in addition to many other countries, suffered a great loss on the morning of September 11th, with hundreds of their countrymen and women presumed dead at the World Trade Center.

The resulting military action has resulted in Robert Chalmers, President of the Clan Cameron Association's Grandfather Mountain Branch being called up into service, as of October 2nd. Bob will be serving for up to six months, and we hope to pass along word from him in the coming months regarding the conflict in Afghanistan.

In these moments of heartache and trauma, it is comforting to know that Britain remains the United States' closest ally; these two nations have certainly come a long way in the last two hundred years. Their bond demonstrates the lesson that there can always be peace, even amongst those who once considered each other the bitterest of enemies. Let us pray that peace comes swiftly to us here in the twenty-first century, and that justice is absolute.