JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Bob Holden sounded themes of strength, perseverance, faith and ultimate victory over terrorism Friday during a ceremony to pray for and remember the victims of Tuesday's attacks against America.

"We tell those with minds as twisted as the carnage and rubble they have left behind: You can disrupt our lives, destroy our buildings, take our loved ones, but you will never win," Holden said. "The fire of freedom that burns deep in the heart of every American is too strong -- stronger than any flame of destruction. And that fire has forged a spirit that will not be broken."

About 2,500 people, primarily state workers, attended the ceremony on the back steps of the Capitol. Members of the General Assembly and other statewide officeholders flanked the governor as he spoke.

Police presence

Despite Holden's call that Missourians need not be afraid, the ubiquitous presence of state troopers in and around the Capitol was a reminder that unknown threats exist.

During the governor's speech, two troopers perched on the Capitol roof, one armed with binoculars and the other with a sniper rifle.

Holden said that although the attacks in New York and Washington have tested America, the country will emerge stronger than before. Early evidence of that are the acts of unbelievable heroism of rescue workers who are continuing the struggle to locate victims in the rubble of the World Trade Center, he said.

Holden urged Missourians to pray not only for the victims, emergency workers and the nation's leaders, but that America finds justice.

He also implored Missourians to uphold the democratic principle of tolerance amid suspicions that Islamic extremists are responsible for the violence.

"Innocent people of Muslim faith have been harassed by those looking for some way to strike out in anger against the outrage we have experienced," Holden said. "So we pray that our citizens everywhere would remember that love of America wears no color, faith or creed."

However, of the six members of the clergy who spoke at the event, all represented Christian denominations.

Jerry Nachtigal, Holden's spokesman, said the event was hastily planned by the Jefferson City Ministerial Alliance and the selection of clergy to participate was left to that group. Nachtigal said he was unsure if clergy of other faiths were invited.

In closing the ceremony, the Rev. Cornell Suddeth of the Second Baptist Church of Jefferson City said Missourians of all faiths must embrace one another.

"We don't need division," Suddeth said. "It is time for all of us to come together. Yes, there are differences ... but God would have us come together under the banner of love for one another. Hatred stirs up dissent, but love covers a multitude of sins."

mpowers@semissourian.com

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