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Thanksgiving Newsletter
Hello folks,
I haven't been in touch for some time I know … but like everyone
else I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the events of September
11th, and then again by the tragedy of the American Airlines aircraft
which crashed last week. This week families all over America come
together for the Thanksgiving holiday, but for many families, particularly
in New York, there will be empty seats at tables where friends and
relatives should be. My heart goes out to you.
In more normal times many of the messages I get via my Website include
heart warming stories of how my music has affected some people, or
how people have become friends after meeting at one of my concerts.
Recently, much of the mail and messages exchanged in Fanspeak have
made reference to September 11th. I'm not able to respond to each
message personally but I would like to thank everyone who's written
to me and offer them my sincere sympathy.
Perhaps it would be appropriate if I let one fan's experience represent
all of the harrowing messages we've received. Many of you will have
heard of my young fan, nine year old Katie, whom I met at one of my
concerts. Katie has kept in touch ever since with cheery messages
about her modelling and acting career, especially her upcoming role
in Steven Spielberg's sequel to 'Men In Black'.
So, it was particularly upsetting to learn that for young Katie the
events of September 11th were too close to home.
Katie's dad went missing, trapped in downtown Manhattan, and it was
several hours before he was able to make contact with his family to
tell them he was safe. And then the news came that Katie's cousin,
32 year old Richard, who was working in the World Trade Centre, had
been killed.
Like many young people, Katie's life has been irrevocably changed.
Just six weeks previously Katie had taken part in the Miss
New York American Sweetheart Pageant and won the Miss
Personality contest for her age group. She was invited to take
part in the National Pageant in Disneyworld - now she can't go. Filming
for 'Men In Black' has had to be moved
from Manhattan to California and that would make it difficult for
Katie to take up her role. But recently it's been rumoured that Spielberg
may return to Manhattan, so Katie's chance may not be lost. Let's
hope so.
Like everyone else I have been struck by the bravery of the fire
fighters and police officers working 24/7 at Ground Zero - they deserve
all the praise they're getting. It's clear too that New Yorkers are
determined to overcome their fear and grief and rebuild their wonderful
city in every which way. The American spirit prevails!
We all long for a tolerant world that allows people of different
faiths, cultures and races to live in peace and harmony. Don't give
up, that day WILL come.
Once again, my condolences to everyone who lost loved ones on September
11th and November 12th. I'm thinking of you all, especially during
the Thanksgiving holiday.
I have also had some mail asking me why I didn't perform at the John
Lennon Tribute concert in New York last month. I felt strongly that
at a time of uncertainty and worry it was necessary for me to be with
my family in Europe. Also rumours that I'm ill aren't true, I'm very
well!
On a lighter note - here at julianlennon.com we're working on something
top secret which we will be announcing in the next couple of weeks,
so keep checking this site for up to date news!
All the very best.
Julian xx
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