Staff Ed: Millions devastated across the world as Notre Dame Cathedral and Al-Aqsa Mosque engulfed in flames

By THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

This past Monday, two historic religious buildings caught fire. The first, and most publicized, was the fire in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The second fire occurred in the Al-Aqsa Mosque located in Jerusalem, Israel. The importance of these sites cannot be overstated. Both Notre Dame Cathedral and the Al-Aqsa Mosque are religiously, culturally, historically and architecturally significant to millions of people around the world. While it is fortunate that neither fires claimed any lives, the damage resulting from these events is still tragic. These remarkable structures must be preserved and protected. The destruction of iconic and sacred sites has caused palpable pain to many people around the world. The outpouring of support from organizations and individuals from a variety of backgrounds around the world is uplifting in this time of grief. The protection of such significant sites is an ongoing and vital endeavor we can all work hard to achieve. Regardless of political, religious or cultural affiliations, it is imperative that we come together to mourn, rebuild and preserve places of lasting significance.