December 17, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today presented United States Ambassador to
Canada Paul Cellucci with the first copy of A Diary Between Friends, a
commemorative book which celebrates the many acts of kindness and generosity
shown by Canadians to our American neighbours in the hours and days following
the tragic events of September 11. Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray and Heritage
Minister Sheila Copps joined the Prime Minister in making the presentation.
"A Diary Between Friends is about Americans and Canadians brought
together by tragedy and bound together by compassion and friendship," said
the Prime Minister. "Before September 11
our feelings of shared loss and solidarity told us the simple truth: that we are
family."
"On behalf of all Americans, I thank the people of Canada for this
extraordinary gift, " said U.S. Ambassador Cellucci. "September 11 is
a date that will forever live in my memory because it is the day I learned the
true meaning of friendship. Tragedy has brought us together as never before and
it has once again shown us that the differences that divide us are far less
important than the ties that bind us."
A Diary Between Friends weaves together a collection of letters,
narrative and more than 125 colour photographs to tell the stories of weary and
frightened travellers who found safe harbour in Canada. It begins the moment
thousands of airline passengers and crew became "guests" of tiny
hamlets in Newfoundland and Labrador and in many other cities across the
country.
The book does not focus on tragedy and fear, but rather on hope and
solidarity. It is an opportunity for Canadians to engage in discussion about
this difficult period in our history and to celebrate the strength of the human
spirit and the heroism of many individual Canadians.
All profits from sales of the book will be donated to CARE Canada / CARE
Afghanistan to provide primary education, in community-managed schools, to more
than 25,000 students, 40% of whom are girls.
A Diary Between Friends is the result of a partnership between the
Government of Canada and Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc., and its partner
McClelland & Stewart Ltd. The book will be available in both official
languages.
The Millennium Bureau of Canada is pleased to have contributed to this great
project which will provide lasting benefits into the new millennium. This unique
work immortalizes the stories of friendship and solidarity between Canadians and
Americans. These stories illustrate our common desire to overcome threats to our
freedom, and are for our children, a wonderful example of solidarity between
peoples.
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PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555
