The tragic events of Sept. 11 cannot be understood. They cannot be justified. They defy reason. Terrorism on this or any scale is unspeakable. Yet, beginning on the morning of Sept. 11, terrorism was all any of us talked about for several days. It's impossible, and probably unhealthy, to not talk about terrorism. As a nation, we did not talk about it prior to Sept. 11. Consequently, we were totally unprepared for the ugliness and evil that it represents.

On a human level, the sudden and violent loss of wives, husbands, moms, dads, sons, daughters, grandparents, grandchildren and friends shattered untold lives and created holes in people's hearts that can never be filled. The resulting changes in our lives will be so great we will denote events as happening “before Sept. 11” or “after Sept. 11.”

May the individuals and families who have experienced personal loss be comforted. May those in positions to eradicate terrorism across the world and those charged with ensuring the safety of the United States be blessed with divine wisdom.

Camp Mak-A-Dream

Even before the events of Sept. 11, the automotive service industry recognized that we have an obligation to give support where it is needed. Undoubtedly, there is a need for support in the aftermath of planes slamming into buildings. Even though they have been pushed off the front page, other needs existed long before Sept. 11 and continue to exist. One such need is for the children and young adults battling cancer who are able to attend Camp Mak-A-Dream in Gold Creek, Mont.

The Automotive Service Association has joined the industry effort initiated by the National Auto Body Council to raise money in support of Camp Mak-A-Dream. The goal is to raise $500,000 to help build a much-needed medical center on the campgrounds. Through our Web site (www.asashop.org), ASA is making it possible for individuals to purchase merchandise with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the camp.

At Camp Mak-A-Dream, children and young adults have the opportunity to enjoy eight days in a safe, supportive and beautiful environment. There is no cost to attend the camp.

This fund-raising initiative represents the best of America. It shows that we are about supporting and uplifting people, rather than destroying people. This collision industry effort stands 180 degrees from the acts of terrorists and it demonstrates why I am proud to be a part of the automotive service industry, the National Auto Body Council and a member shareholder of ASA.

Welcome to NACE

This issue of AutoInc. is being distributed at NACE. Since many of you reading it at the show may not be regular readers, let me extend a welcome to Las Vegas on behalf of ASA, the official sponsor of NACE. I hope you will come by the ASA booth and give us a chance to meet you.

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