Mayor Richard M. Daley this afternoon asked Chicagoans to remember the victims of today's terrorist attacks in their thoughts and prayers, and to donate blood for the injured.

"Thousands of innocent people, including many rescue workers, met death and disabling injury in the most horrible way at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon today," the Mayor said at a news conference at the Chicago Emergency Communications Center. "It is hard to imagine the agony that their loved ones must be going through right now. So I want Chicagoans to do everything they can to help the victims and their families."

Daley called on religious leaders of all faiths "to reach out to their local communities and conduct prayer services or any other type of observation they feel is appropriate."

He said the City will be working with the American Red Cross to coordinate a special blood drive on behalf of those injured in the attacks. Donors can call 1-800-GIVE LIFE to find the nearest blood donor center. The City is in the process of coordinating a blood drive at City Hall.

"This is a time of great national mourning, and I hope Chicagoans will respond with great feeling and generosity," Daley said.