EMAILS TO THE CIA AFTER 9/11
These are a select few of the thousands of emails sent to CIA in the wake of the attacks. Coming in via the Agency's content rich website, the messages arrive daily from children and retirees, military officers and soccer moms, factory workers and corporate managers. Many come from overseas, in native languages or in uncertain English prose. Nevertheless, the meaning is always clear. The Office of Public Affairs culls through this daily deluge and shares a few notes with employees through the Agency's internal newsletter.
Thank God for you people. I live in New York and have not felt safe since 9/11. I've been reading more and more about the CIA and what actions they have taken since and I have to say, I'm proud of the job it has done and continues to do. You're a real asset to Americans. Thank you.
— New York
You all are in my thoughts and prayers every day, and I will never forget -- America is at peace because the CIA is at war.
— Anonymous
I am just a truck driver and have been working in Staten Island, New York at Arthurkill Landfill for the past year. Until recently I have seen the wreckage every day and think about what happened. I know that we have the greatest country in the world. I know in my heart that the CIA, FBI, state, and local governments do all they can do to protect us. Maybe this will be a wake up call for the government and how they divide up the budget. As a proud American, I want you all to know that there are Americans out there that support and stand behind you 100 percent.
— New Jersey
(Author's Note: The Arthurkill Landfills is where the remains of the World Trade Center were buried.)
I'm very sorry about the World Trade Center and I'm saying to you with my open heart that I cried when I saw how the people were dying. I'm only 14 years old but my heart is in America. God bless America.
— Romania
I want to congratulate you all on a job well done in capturing Binalshibh. Thank you for your dedication and selflessness. Keep up the good work. We are happy that our agencies can work as a team. God bless you all and keep you safe.
— Anonymous
(Author's Note: Ramzi Binalshibh was caught during a raid in Karachi, Pakistan. He is an admitted al Qaeda member and participated in the 9/11 planning.)
There has been a lot of publicity about the 'mistakes' and overlooked things leading up to 9/11. Many normally intelligent people are pointing fingers. Fear and ignorance cause strange actions. I have had a little contact with both the CIA and FBI in the past, primarily during my 20-year US Army career. And based on what I know, I offer my strongest and most sincere congratulations on doing all you have done.
— Chief Warrant Officer Three, US Army — Retired
Belton, South Carolina
If there is a single purpose for my contact today it would be simply to let you know that I am an American that deeply appreciates the work that you do to protect and defend our country. I saw your ad in the business section of today's LA Times and was moved to express my thanks to people I will probably never have the pleasure of meeting. The ad, while embracing a multicultural position, was also intended to be a recruiting tool. In my heart I sort of laughed at the prospect of actually possessing any skills or abilities to offer to such an elite organization. I am a husband and father of two darling daughters, working diligently to build an employee benefits business. Sometimes a man like me can wonder if he is exercising his full potential, longing to dedicate the short time we have to be alive to something more significant and enduring, like the love I have for my country. I'm 39. These last few years I have often regretted that I never enlisted in the service, as my father did, and served as a younger single man. I suppose I just wanted to share what was on my heart, hoping that it may be an encouragement to anyone that may read this. The CIA employee that works day in and day out, perhaps wonders if the common citizens have a clue and could possibly begin to understand that freedom always has a price. To the person who actually reads this, know that I am thankful for you and pray for the safety, wisdom, and protection for all that work in your organization. All the best to you.
— Anonymous
Thank you, thank you, thank you, and many more thank you's for all you guys and gals do. Keep up the good work and God bless you and God Bless America.
— Just a Grandma in Texas
I read about the recent disruption of al Qaeda mass casualty attacks, and I know you guys do a lot of work that no one ever hears about. I just wanted to say thanks for all the outstanding work you do for the most thankless of tasks, the ones most people are oblivious to. Hang in there, and thank you.
— A MSgt, USAF
Thank you for all your hard work. Thank you for going to all the countries and getting the bad people and protecting our country. You all are in my prayers.
Thank you for putting your life on the line 24-7.
It's got to be hard going so far away from your family so you can protect other people. You have no idea how much that means to me. You all are my heroes! Love ya lotz and always.
— A sixth grade class in Texas
We would like, as citizens of Quebec, to share your sorrow in the commemoration of the atrocities of the last September 11. For the families of the victims, civilians, civil servants, and soldiers of the Pentagon, we sympathize. We will remember! May those who die as innocent victims rest in peace. God Bless America.
— Canada
Thank you and God bless you always. We've got to keep rolling on, till victory is won. We shall overcome and we will prevail. My prayers are with all of you all the way for a safe mission and a safe return back home with all God's blessings.
— New York