SHA's message at the SARS Joint Prayer Session

Monday, June 2, 2003

Following is the message delivered by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, at the SARS Joint Prayer Session held at the City Hall today (June 2):
We Are Thankful

We gather here today not to mourn, nor to give in to despair, but to give thanks for what we are.

We are those who rose above challenges and gave up our lives. Dedication and courage are the very foundation of our commitment. For this, we are thankful.

We are those who struggled and succumbed to the disease, and who had made the rest of us value life much more than ever before. For this, we are thankful.

We are those who had endured great pains. The suffering had driven us to re-examine the fundamental strengths and values of our community and to re-think the essence of life. For this, we are thankful.

We are those who survived and, following a time of trials and tribulations, had come to know one another much better, and had made room for reconciliation. For this, we are thankful.

We are those who call Hong Kong our home. Hong Kong is a blessed land and we have emerged ever stronger and ever more caring. We are the sons and daughters of Hong Kong and we are thankful.