There was a topic last year on Marriott's response to the loss of the WTC Marriott so I thought I'd post Bill's email to all Marriott Associates

From: Marriott Communications
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2002 3:35 PM
Subject: A MESSAGE FROM BILL MARRIOTT TO ALL ASSOCIATES

(The following is a message from J.W. Marriott, Jr. to all Marriott associates.)

Today, we observe the anniversary of one of the most significant, historic events of this century - the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

One year ago today, our world was rocked by an unprecedented personal attack on American soil. Most of us have experienced a lot of different emotions ... including anger, grief and fear ... and we’ve each had to find our own way and our own time to come to terms with these emotions and heal.

Since that day, we’ve all done our best to get back to work and resume our normal lives. But that doesn’t mean that we have forgotten ... or will ever forget ... that terrible morning or the pain it caused so many good people.

Instead, we go on.

This morning, at Marriott Headquarters, as a tribute to the “spirit to serve” of all Marriott associates, we will gather to remember those who were lost to us and dedicate a memorial in their honor. The memorial specifically honors Joseph Keller and Abdu Malahi, New York associates who were lost while heroically assisting those in need.

The memorial will feature the Marriott flag that was flying over the Marriott World Trade Center hotel at the time of the attack, and it will be on permanent display in the main lobby of the Headquarters building.

Over the past year, I’ve said many, many times how proud I am of all of you. I want you to know how much your courage, generosity and determination have inspired me and touched my heart. I’m deeply grateful to each and every one of you for all you do every day.

It’s been a very hard year, but we’ve gotten through it together, and I know we’ll continue to work together to create a strong, bright, hopeful future for ourselves and for our country.

God bless all of you … and thank you.