March 19, 2008 

Dear Zaghi, 

It was such a pleasure to meet you on the Gratitude Cruise. It is my honor to write a testimonial for you and your peace movement. I really admire your efforts and I hope they will bring about peace---we certainly need it! 

While in the tropical forest of Costa Rica, I learned a valuable lesson in coexistence. My guide, a retired doctor and biologist, explained how the lumbering of one area threatens the ability of other areas to remain standing; because each tree is connected to the others through an intertwined root system, cutting down one tree weakens the roots of all the others. The forest is a microcosm of humanity: it shows that by standing alone we are unique but fragile; by uniting harmoniously with others, we are productive and strong. If mankind wishes to leave a strong, enduring legacy, we must see ourselves as part of the whole. The peace movement reinforces this lesson. It teaches us that our existence is rooted in peaceful unity.

I am a testament to the fact that unity means strength.  During my immigration voyage to America, I was involved in the most catastrophic collision in history between two ocean liners. Thanks to the kind assistance of strangers on land and on sea, my family and I were saved. Moreover, this collaboration led to the "greatest sea rescue in peacetime history".

Mr. Zaghi's peace efforts give mankind hope for survival.

Pierette Domenica Simpson

Author of Alive on the Andrea Doria! The Greatest Sea Rescue in History

Co-author of Thank God I...Stories of Inspiration for Every Situation

www.pierettesimpson.com