The resolution also extends deepest condolences to the victims as well as to their families and their friends and commends the heroic actions of the passengers and crews of the aircraft, the rescue workers, the volunteers, the local officials, and so many of the victims, themselves, who responded to these tragic events with courage, compassion, determination and skill.

While condemning the terrorists, Mayor Bob Knight and City Council members urged Wichita residents to not fall victim to hatred.

“Instead of being inflamed be hatred, we need to reintroduce community. We need to recommit to having a personal responsibility to our city and nation. We need to recommit to serving the needs of others, to genuinely caring about our neighbors. This is what we as Americans should be about, “ said Mayor Bob Knight. 

The full text of the resolution is attached.

A RESOLUTION IN RESPONSE TO THE ATTACK ON AMERICA
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four civilian aircraft, crashing two into the World Trade Center in New York City, a third into the Pentagon outside of Washington, D.C., and a fourth into the countryside of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, thousands of innocent people, both Americans and visitors to our shores, were killed and injured as a result of these evil and reprehensible attacks, including the passengers and crews of the aircraft, workers in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, bystanders, tourists and rescue workers; and

WHEREAS, these attacks were the deadliest assaults ever launched against the United States, and, by targeting symbols of American strength and success, were clearly intended to intimidate our Nation and weaken its resolve;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Wichita, that we do condemn and denounce the terrorists who planned and executed this devastation, as well as their cowardly sponsors and accomplices; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we extend our deepest condolences to the victims of these heinous and ungodly actions, as well as to their families and their friends; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we commend the heroic actions of the passengers and crews of the aircraft, the rescue workers, the volunteers, the local officials, and so many of the victims, themselves, who responded to these tragic events with courage, compassion, determination and skill; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we thank those foreign leaders and individuals who have expressed solidarity with the United States in the aftermath of the attacks; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we support President Bush, his Cabinet, our Armed Forces, our Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies and Congress in their efforts to bring justice to the perpetrators of these attacks, and to their accomplices and sponsors.

Approved by the Wichita City Council
September 18, 2001