For the week of  September 19 - 25, 2001

We’ll go on

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The Wood River Valley has weathered severe droughts, including a winter of absolutely no snow. It has weathered recessions, when it seemed the economy would wither.

Now, it will weather the economic fallout of the devastation of the terrorist attack on America’s World Trade Center.

Why? Because it must.

There is no choice for the valley and the rest of the nation but to go on. To do otherwise is to hand the terrorists the victory they seek—the devastation of the American soul and the defeat of freedom.

Despite the immediate blow to tourism, Americans will continue to travel. We are curious. We are brave. We know now more than ever that we cannot hide from the world. We cannot and will not cower in fear.

In what will be a long battle against terrorism, Americans will need the solace and safety of the Idaho mountains more than ever. We will need respite. We will need beauty and contact with nature to renew our spirits and to fortify our resolve.

Skiers must ski. Hikers must hike. Families and friends must gather. Nations must join together for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

We must celebrate life as intensely as we now mourn the innocent victims of this atrocity. Life in America will change in hundreds of ways big and small, but the country—its business, its government and its traditions—will go on.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.