As the smoke finally clears around the ruins of the World Trade Center, much has changed.  We step back and survey a landscape that is stark and unfamiliar.  As if a Salvador Dali painting might suddenly come to life…….cold and dreamily real.  We don't know what will come next.  Yet, as we must, we set about putting our lives together.  A research doctor from Rochester flies to a conference in Australia to present her findings on colon cancer.  A family in Buffalo plans a reunion in Hawaii for next summer.  A Syracuse, NY couple visit their bank and set up a college fund for "the twins."  Yes, our nation has lost much, but let us mourn our real losses.  When the wild speculation of the last decade has finally been wiped away, we'll note that is not such a bad thing.  Think about it.  Investing has again being restored……it's no longer considered the way of life but a way to finally achieve the life we really want.  What remain has true value: Our job, Our families, Our communities.
We can take courage from our Nation's history.  We have come through fierce struggles before, only to rise up even stronger.  New York City's golden age arrived on the heels of World War II.  The razzle-dazzle & brilliance of that era shimmered in the imaginations of all nations……it was tantalizingly sublimated.  It was our Nation's future about to occur.
One day soon, a foot will start tapping in the subway to an infectious beat. A comedian will launch a new catch phrase that will bring chuckles at the water cooler.  An absurd but irresistible fashion trend will sweep the nation, and suddenly the neighborhood will be a-buzz with talk of where to go for dinner.  We will once again see crowds in our dining rooms.  We will soon feel the serge of guests wanting the best food we're able to produce.  We will again be able to take profit dollars to the bank.  We will once again prevail….we're a breed of survivors called cooks……..professionals.  Men and women who will always be standing no matter what!
We can never forget 9-11, but we cannot help but to go forward.  After all, this is The United States of America and we are tough Americans…the same tough Americans who forged and settled a nation from East to West and established the freest, bestest, nicest, happiest place on Earth.  The same Americans who welcomed everyone from anywhere who wanted to live our way of life and extended our hands helping them become one of us…….we will soon go about our business and let life settle in once again.  You'll see.
As cooks, we will be such an important part of that return to The American Way of Life….we will, as always extend the hand of hospitality and our tables upon which Americans can once again solve every problem in this old world over a good cup of hot coffee and chocolate cake.
With all this said, let me join Reyhan in wishing each of you and yours the very best Christmas you've ever had and pray that your New Year brings everything good.