December 25, 2001
Montreal, Quebec

The following is the text of a Christmas holiday message from Canadian Youth Ambassador George Stamatis:

Good morning, and merry Christmas. During this time of conflict and challenge regarding Terrorism, Christmas is a day on which we celebrate hope and joy; when our thoughts turn to justice and compassion, and to a Prince of Peace born long ago.

This is a day on which we give thanks for the wonder of God's love, for the blessings we have received, and for the families we love. And this year all of these things seem particularly important.

Charles Dickens wrote that Christmas is a time when abundance rejoices and want is keenly felt. This Christmas finds many facing hurt and loss, especially the families of terror victims in New York, Washington, Pennsylvania and of young men killed in battle in Afghanistan. Everyone grieves with you, and we hope you'll especially find the comfort and hope of Christmas.

I send my good wishes to all the families everywhere that have come together in celebration. Even in this time of war against Terrorism, we pray for peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, and we continue to ask God's blessings.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

George Stamatis
Canadian Youth Ambassador to the G.Y.A.N
Tel: (514) 231-9297
Fax: (720) 293-4310

December 25, 2001
Montreal, Quebec

The following is the text of a Christmas holiday message from Canadian Youth Ambassador George Stamatis:

Good morning, and merry Christmas. During this time of conflict and challenge regarding Terrorism, Christmas is a day on which we celebrate hope and joy; when our thoughts turn to justice and compassion, and to a Prince of Peace born long ago.

This is a day on which we give thanks for the wonder of God's love, for the blessings we have received, and for the families we love. And this year all of these things seem particularly important.

Charles Dickens wrote that Christmas is a time when abundance rejoices and want is keenly felt. This Christmas finds many facing hurt and loss, especially the families of terror victims in New York, Washington, Pennsylvania and of young men killed in battle in Afghanistan. Everyone grieves with you, and we hope you'll especially find the comfort and hope of Christmas.

I send my good wishes to all the families everywhere that have come together in celebration. Even in this time of war against Terrorism, we pray for peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, and we continue to ask God's blessings.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

George Stamatis
Canadian Youth Ambassador to the G.Y.A.N
Tel: (514) 231-9297
Fax: (720) 293-4310

I was stricken by news and television pictures coming from the United States this morning. It is impossible to fully comprehend the evil that would have conjured up such a cowardly and depraved assault upon thousands of innocent people. There can be no cause or grievance that could ever justify such unspeakable violence. Indeed, such an attack is an assault not only on the targets but an offense against the freedom and rights of all civilized nations.

All Canadians and Canadian Youths are praying that the brave firefighters and rescue crews who currently on the scene will be successful in limiting the casualties. As Prime-Minister Chretien said: "We stand ready to provide any assistance that our American friends may need at this very, very difficult hour and in the subsequent investigation."

The United States and all other countries should hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts because it is unacceptable for our society.

I ask the international people to join me in saying a thanks for all the people who have been fighting hard to rescue the fellow american citizens and to join me in saying a prayer for the victims and their families.

On behalf of all Canadian Youth I am offering, our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the American people.