Americans and people around the world mourn lives lost in terrorist attacks Sept. 11 on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Thousands of lives were snuffed out in an instant — passengers and crew on four hijacked planes, people in buildings that three of those planes crashed into, rescue workers and others who rushed to their aid, and bystanders at the tragic scenes.

The First Presidency said in a statement issued within a few hours after the horrid events, "We join with others in prayers that the Savior's peace and love will comfort and guide us all through this difficult time."

Americans have felt safe in this land of liberty, this place of freedom. They have watched with empathy as acts of terrorism undermined peace and tranquility in distant lands. They have felt sympathy for citizens in other countries affected by heinous deeds. They have sent relief and resources to victims of those who strike without regard or respect for human life. Now, much of the world feels for Americans that which Americans have felt for others. Here, in this land blessed above all others, people have been killed or injured in what is described as the most vicious attacks upon this country's mainland.

We cannot begin to understand, to comprehend, the villainy harbored in any heart that would perpetrate such attacks here or anywhere else in the world. The horror of it all, to anyone of conscience, is beyond description, past human imaginings. Such acts of hatred, violence and disregard for human life can well up only in the hearts of those who have turned their lives over to the influence of evil.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — whether citizens of the United States or other countries — recognize this as a choice land. Ezra Taft Benson wrote: "When this nation was established, the Church was restored and from here the message of the restored gospel has gone forth — all according to divine plan. This then becomes the Lord's base of operations in these latter days. And this base — the land of America — will not be shifted out of its place. This nation will, in a measure at least, fulfill its mission even though it may face serious and troublesome days. The degree to which it achieves its full mission depends upon the righteousness of its people. God, through His power, has established a free people in this land as a means of helping to carry forward His purposes.

"It was His latter-day purpose to bring forth His gospel in America, not in any other place. It was in America where the Book of Mormon plates were deposited. . . . It was here where He organized His modern Church, where He, Himself, made a modern personal appearance. (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:1.)

"It was here under a free government and a strong nation that protection was provided for His restored Church. Now God will not permit America, His base of operations, to be destroyed. He has promised protection to this land if we will but serve the God of the land." (See Ether 2:12.)" (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pp. 571-72.)

At this dark moment in the country's history, we cannot understand how terrorist attacks of such horrible magnitude could be carried out anywhere by anyone, let alone within the borders of the United States of America, upon which the Lord has poured so many blessings in years past. We cannot comprehend how such evil acts could be wrought in a civilized world. But in these days of our grief, concern and even despair, we can turn our hearts heavenward and pray that God will continue to bless America — and people everywhere.