The American Foundry Industry.

My plan was to write this editorial about technological innovation. Even with the tragedies of Tuesday, September 11 fresh in my mind, I believed it was up to the daily newspapers and weekly news magazines to discuss the pain, sadness and fear these terrorist attacks had instilled in us. Our magazine, modern casting, is a monthly trade magazine for the foundry industry that covers management and technical issues--what could we possibly say that hasn't already been said? What could we share that would help our readers cope with the new realities of our world?

But then I sat down and thought about whom my audience is (foundrymen from nearly 70 nations across the globe) and what I represent when I put my pen to paper for the editorial. Beyond modern casting, I represent the American Foundry Society and, more importantly, the American Foundry Industry with each and every word I write.

I have said that phrase--American foundry industry--at least a thousand times since I began at modern casting more than four years ago, but I have never given it as much thought as I have since these tragedies struck our homeland and our lives. This is a powerful set of words that not only defines our industry, but the nation in which we live.

The fact that we are the American foundry industry is as much a part of our industry's heritage and history as iron and sand. In addition, and maybe more importantly, as the American foundry industry, we are intertwined with our country's birth, development, and unparalleled growth and prosperity.

To further put this in perspective, I would like to share with you the words of Dwight Barnhard, American Foundry Society executive vice president.

"The tragic attack on America stirs our emotions and causes reflective thought about our past, present and future. The history of our country and the American metalcasting industry provides numerous examples of what can be accomplished with a positive spirit even when the situation seems impossible.

Those difficult times have provided opportunities for inner growth both personally and for our country, In 1776, seven visionary metalcasters signed the Declaration of Independence. These statesmen and foundrymen understood the important role that manufacturing plays in our advanced way of life and the

freedom we enjoy. That same spirit can be seen throughout the history of our country From health care to transportation to the defense of our nation, metalcastings continue to fill a vital need.

On September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush said, 'These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.' America is counting on the creative ability and positive spirit of our engineering and manufacturing community. The people of our great industry have served to preserve freedom in the past. I have no doubt that we are up to that same task today and in the days to come."

This message must be shared and remembered regardless of the "evil doers" that try to knock us down. The pride that I feel when I watch the American people coming together to support one another in the wake of terrorism is the same pride I feel for the strength the metalcasting industry has provided our country in the past and will continue to provide in the future.

By the time this editorial reaches your desk, I am sure America will be a vastly different country than the one I am thinking about as I write this. But that doesn't mean this message has any less value.

The American foundry industry was instrumental in building the foundation of our great country.

The American foundry industry will be instrumental in maintaining this foundation and strengthening the future of our great country.

To everyone affected by this tragedy, my heart and the hearts of modern casting and the American Foundry Society go out to you.

God Bless America.

Alfred T. Spada

Executive Editor