Dear Nursing Colleagues,

Yesterday was the sad anniversary of tragic events for our country. New York State was particularly affected by the destruction of the World Trade Center. Last year, NYSNA truly appreciated the overwhelming support that we received from our nursing colleagues across the nation. We will be forever grateful.

The following is a poem written by Jackie Cataldo, BSN, RN, a New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) staff member and American Red Cross volunteer at Ground Zero:

COLORS

The children draw pictures.
Airplanes crashing into tall buildings.
Firefighters, police officers and construction workers.
Swirling hoses and axes suspended in midair.
Nurses' caps and helmets perched on small tilted heads with oversized bodies.
A crucifix, stethoscope and stars and stripes tell the story.
Testimonies set on paper with care and determination.

H-E-R-O-E-S,
The letters are scrawled at the top of the page.
Bright crayon colors depict the horrors captured by TV cameras.
Repeated again and again.
Images expressed through baby eyes.
Prayers, thanks, sadness and hope mixed with sequins and glue.