Dear EPICC:

Our parents group is coming to New York, in part because the NYC Mayor's Office invited our kids, the Beavercreek HS Marching Band, to perform in the Veterans Day parade. They were selected to represent the state of Ohio.

The saying 'Economic Patriotism' states your position well. Our parents group includes almost 70 families and the band accounts for 180 people, will account for 250 people spending money in the Big Apple. We hope it helps in a big way. Since my husband is in military, I have always enjoyed seeing patriotic themed parades, I am looking forward to supporting New Yorkers and the proud men and women who are serving in our armed forces.

I cannot begin to say how sorry we are for the events that occured on Sept 11th. My heart goes out to all Americans, especially those who live in NYC and Wash DC, during this difficult time. But it is time to rebuild, spend our money to help your city and show our solidarity by showing we are ONE!

Colleen Gaier, Beavercreek Ohio HS Band

Dear National EPICC Committee:

WOW...what a great job you have done with EPICC!!!

I enjoyed exploring the website, and was excited to see all the coverage your program has received. It sounds like it will be a great weekend for this worthwhile trip. I am amazed at the impact you have had around the world. I love to see The City of Irvine as a leader for the rest of the Country!

After living in a daze following the attacks of 9-11, I have found some peace in my heart by knowing I am doing my part to help others. The children, staff, police officers, firefighters, and city officials, are excited to show New York just how much we care. Thanks to the work the leaders in our community are doing through EPICC, and the effort our children will put forth by writing letters to the children in New York. Irvine is showing it's true colors as one great City!

Thanks,

Julie Hudash
Board of Directors
Irvine Community Drug Prevention

I do not normally jump and go on a trip like this, but the spirit that you have shown to me is the reason and also supporting the people in New York.  It will be my first trip to The Big Apple and I cannot wait to go.  All of my life (60 years) I have seen pictures, television images of the city, but never felt a desire to go.  Well this has given me the desire and the push to go and support such a great cause.  The two of you should be thanked and thanked.  I look forward to finding what New York is all about.  The ticket purchase could not have been better.  It was like sitting down with a travel agent and making the reservations.  Jean was the person I talked to at 8AM on Wednesday and she was just wonderful, helpful and full of information.  I am traveling single and she told me all of the options. I never hesitated at the price or the arrangements, just took her advice and pulled out the plastic.

I was cruising the New York City website and came upon your plan to encourage people to visit NYC for the upcoming holiday in November.  I was pleasantly surprised to see a California group motivating this kind of national action.  Prior to my discovery of your plan, my girlfriend and I had already booked plans to fly into LaGuardia for that weekend (coincidently with Delta Airlines). This will mark the second time I will have responded to NYC mayor's call to all Americans.

For the upcoming trip, we plan to eat, drink, cruise Time Square, take in a play, sleep downtown, and spend money in the shops.  Are you planning a mass rendezvous somewhere at sometime in NYC? If so, would you share this information with us.

Mitch:  Well I've made my reservations and excited about going. Are there specific sites I should contact for Broadway tix etc or are some being purchased in advance for the group?  Thanks.

Carol Tomlinson

Chris and Mitch, please let me know of plans in NYC since I will be there on business.  I've already made airline and hotel reservations, but would love to "hook up" with you for meals, theatre, meetings, etc. Thanks so much for putting this all together.

Mary Ann Gaido

I can certainly see why you are so busy. Putting together EPICC is really an incredible idea - congratulations! Unfortunately we will be

As a native New Yorker, but frequent traveler across the US, including to Irvine, Calif., I've always known that New Yorkers are often thought to be

I accidentally stumbled across your web site announcing your national plans to visit NYC, my hometown, on Veterans Day. I started to cry when I saw it. You can't possibly know how much it means to us to see this kind of support from all over the country. Its true that the spirit of New York is not broken, but its heart is. Thanks to people like you, I have no doubt that it WILL heal, and so you have my and my fellow New Yorkers, deepest gratitude.

Mitch, You are gaining so much momentum! It is very exciting and I really wish I could go. Did you receive the letters and cards yet from the children to take to New York? I know the trip will be so memorable and I will think of all of you and the statement you are making.

Margie Wakeham

I was visiting the beautiful city of New York on the morning of September 11th. Being on the 61st floor of the South tower at a meeting at Morgan Stanley, I was very lucky to have gotten out alive and am positive I would not have survived that day without the help of so many New Yorkers. I experienced something horrific but I have the citizens of New York to thank for my life. New Yorker's were comforting and guided me out of the debris. Never have I seen such love and compassion in people's eyes.

I would like to be apart of EPICC on Veterans Day, but don't have a lot of money, but would like to return to New York to demonstrate my lack of fear. In fact I am excited to visit. I love New York and would like people to see that even those there that day are eager to return. I truly do love New York.

Ryan Dalle-Tezze

Dear Mayor Pro Tem Mears:  My family and I are interested in the trip to New York over Veterans Day.  What do we need to do?  Thanks for the great idea/opportunity.

Donna Schaefer

otherwise have. I am not visiting New York to make a statement, but if being there helps others to know that we Americans are strong, supportive of one another and our government, and will see this fight to a successful end, then I am happy for them to draw that conclusion.

Hello. Prior to your announcing this Veterans' Day weekend trip to NYC, 6 of us had already booked flights and hotel rooms. We are from Irvine, CA three are traveling from LaCrosse, WI and one from Edinburgh, Scotland. My question to you - is it possible to join your group to see some plays?  If so, please advise what plays are offered and at what prices and dates/times.  In any case, you can add our names to the list of people who are going to NYC from Irvine on Veterans' Day weekend.

Paula Instenes & Betsy Ramsey