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Meeting a Closed Fist with an Open Heart
Jul 2, 2009

Like so many others around the world we at Care2 and our millions of members were shocked and saddened by the recent attack at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It was a tragic reminder of how much misplaced anger still exists in our world, and it happened just blocks from Care2's DC office. As a community our hearts go out to the visitors and staff, and to all who are connected to the museum.

Thankfully the gunman who attacked the museum was unable to gain entry and harm any of the visitors present that day. But only because of the sacrifice of a beloved member of the museum’s staff, Special Police Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns, and the quick action of his colleagues.

To lose a colleague in such a needless and violent way has deeply saddened the museum community. But the museum’s response to this terrible event shows amazing generosity and spirit. The museum has created a memorial fund that will provide critically important resources for the family of Officer Johns. Here’s how they explain it on their website:
The Museum mourns the tragic passing of Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns, who died heroically in the line of duty on June 10 protecting our visitors and staff. There are no words to express our grief and shock over the loss of a cherished friend and exemplary colleague, who served as a Special Police Officer at the Museum for six years. He was a dedicated professional whose outgoing personality and warm smile will be deeply missed by his Museum family.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, his children, and his entire family.

The Museum has established a special fund for the benefit of Officer Johns’ family. Make a gift to the USHMM Officer Johns Family Fund. 100% of your gift will benefit the family. Due to IRS regulations, gifts are not tax deductible.

Checks payable to USHMM Officer Johns Family Fund may be mailed to USHMM, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington DC 20024.
You may also make a gift by calling toll free 877-91USHMM (877-918-7466) from 8:00am to 8:00pm Eastern time.

The Museum expresses its gratitude for the outpouring of support and messages of condolence we have received from so many concerned citizens and organizations across the country and around the world.

This example of meeting a closed fist with an open hand and heart is a valuable reminder of how much good there is in the world, and the capacity of the human spirit to rise above tragedy and adversity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the museum and the family of Officer Johns.
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Posted: Thursday July 2, 2009, 8:49 am
Tags: ushmm [add/edit tags]

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Michelle Bafik-vehslage (9) 		Thursday July 2, 2009, 1:20 pm
Thank you for this information. In this day and age of non caring I alway know that at Care2 I will find someone who does.

Jenny Dooley (450) 		Wednesday July 29, 2009, 3:39 am
Thank you for these words.

Lisa Bxx (82) 		Sunday August 16, 2009, 8:53 am
I am confounded by the widespread hatred that still exists in the world, alongside the selflessness of some who do whatever it takes to prevent harm to others.

Suthipong Chonwilai (0) 		Sunday September 6, 2009, 12:28 am
Hello

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