This statistic has made his parents feel very much alone, in a way that Americans, in their collective grief, are not.

When Nadine's father emerged from the funeral home, the mothers' collective grief became a chorus of rage.

Officials said the concert had been envisioned for the families and victims, but also to express a collective grief and to console the nation's spirit through music.

To a degree, even the deaths of public figures have been submerged by the tide of collective grief.

Harris began writing the book in what he described as a period of "collective grief and stupefaction" following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The whole country was stunned and the collective grief is a testimony to his popularity.

Among Latinos there was a collective grief of the dead of Selena that remains after the many years that have passed.

I think nothing will change," said Father Boyle, "until there is room in our collective grief for all of these youngsters.

Madam President, today we feel collective grief and sorrow for the death of so many immigrants who were hopeful, desperate, and also perhaps deceived.

But perhaps it no surprise that in a town named for self restraint, collective grief is an emotion far easier to feel than to see or hear.