Duke Energy Remembers the Fallen, Their Families and Friends

A Message From Rick Priory
Chairman, President and CEO
Duke Energy

To our neighbors, customers and friends of freedom around the world:

We conclude one of the longest, most difficult weeks in history with a day of prayer and remembrance, and with the knowledge that the enormous job of sorting through debris and emotions has only just begun.

President Bush has issued a plea for patience, and our entire nation, so used to speed, productivity and action, has had to pause, be still, and cope with the events that have so violently interrupted our world.

The cycles of business have been interrupted as well, with the closing of financial markets, curtailed air travel, and the need to redirect resources. The recovery of business has already begun, but the first priority for our company and our country is the human recovery underway right now.

At Duke Energy, we are focused today on the victims of this horrific tragedy, their families, and on our friends and business associates so profoundly impacted by this disaster. We are thankful that no Duke Energy employees lost their lives, but our extended Duke Energy family did suffer losses, and we are deeply saddened.

We are focused on the heroic efforts of law enforcement and relief workers, whose courage and compassion humbles us all.

We are focused on doing all we can to support our government, at every level, as it leads us through this period of crisis.

While the world around us has been interrupted, we remain focused on delivering the energy needed to keep the lights on in this dark hour. Energy supply, generation and delivery are essential services upon which our customers—and our country—rely. We will not let you down.

And we are supporting the efforts of disaster relief agencies through contributions and employee volunteers.

I hope that you and yours are safe and well. For those who have lost loved ones, know that we join you in honoring their memories. We also unite with all Americans in honoring life, freedom and the incredible human spirit that prevails.