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Thursday, August 02, 2007
Families carry photos of missing loved ones
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota -- We're at the Holiday Inn in Minneapolis. This is where the Red Cross set up its family assistance center.

It doesn't take long to spot the family members still looking for loved ones. It's heartbreaking.

Some carry pictures, hoping that perhaps someone will recognize their loved one. I spoke to one woman who thinks her ex-husband may be missing; he didn't return any calls. She didn't know where to turn.

Another woman can't find her pregnant cousin. One family is hoping their loved one will be found as a "Jane Doe."

These families file into a restricted area. Counselors and chaplains are standing by, according to the Red Cross. I asked a Red Cross representative what can be done at this point? He told me "listen."

-- By Mary Snow, CNN Correspondent
Posted By CNN: 6:14 PM ET
  9 Comments
Mary:

While reading your post, all I can think of was the many disasters that have happen, e.g., 911, Katrina, TWA 800 and the Tsunami. It doesn’t matter what state or country you live in. When the human race is faced with tragedy and suffering, we all become the same.

[We see the family members looking for loved ones. We see people carrying pictures; hoping that perhaps someone will recognize their loved one. Families hoping and praying that their loved ones will be found – and the restricted area were Counselors and members of religious faiths are waiting and listening.]
Posted By Vicki, Long Island : 6:49 PM ET
The heartbreak these people are feeling must be almost unbearable. Waiting to hear about your loved one and be reunited must make it seem like time is standing still. But, not knowing also means you can still hope and pray they are okay.

At times like this, you wish there would be more you can do than just listen. I hope you all will stay and listen to their stories. You will be doing it for all of us who can't be there.
Posted By Christina, Windber, PA : 7:24 PM ET
We may be thousands of kilometers away at the other end of the world but we watched with horror and sadness at the tragedy. We cant help but shed a tear for the families involved and said a prayer for them.

Mr & Mrs Koh
Auckland
Posted By Mr & Mrs Koh, Auckland : 7:42 PM ET
Sometimes in a tragedy there are those that want to talk and those that want to be left alone. I hope the media respects these different feelings. I agree that listening and really hearing what that person says, can be healing. I pray that the families still waiting will have their answers soon.
Posted By Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif : 7:48 PM ET
It is unbelievable that it takes such a tragedy for state government to check the security of their bridges. I guess the state budgets are of greater concern than human lives.
Posted By Ana, Fort Myers, Florida : 8:24 PM ET
Please bring this up on the show...restraurants have a grading scale of A to D or F. The federal government gives ratings to bridges, yet they don't bother to POST SIGNS on the BRIDGES THEMSELVES alerting drivers. Drivers need to see a bridge safety rating of A through F so drivers themselves can decide if they want to drive over the bridge or not.
Posted By Timothy Lang, Victorville, CA : 8:45 PM ET
I hope for the sake of these poor family members that they get some sort of word about their loved ones soon. To only have a picture or memento to hang onto besides your hope is so sad. I wish all the best for these families and I thank you for being there to listen to them.
Posted By Annie Kate, Birmingham AL : 10:38 PM ET
Superb coverage in MN. Please don't fail to identify the American heroics in MN to the ongoing heroism in Iraq. Despite the political overtones, Americans stand and fight the odds. I oppose the IRAQ war, but honor the day to day heroism of our armed forces, in the same way that I honor the heroism of this "Jeremy" who helped to save the school bus children after losing his truck on the failed bridge. What does party mean? We are all Americans - no?

- RALT, M.D.
Posted By Ross : 3:06 AM ET
For the love of God, leave the victims' families alone.
Posted By Johnny Budge : 8:21 AM ET
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