Tuesday is the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, a significant day in our nation’s history. Sept. 11 has been designated Patriot Day. On this day, the president requests that the American flag be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The president also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m.
In accordance with the president’s request, flags throughout District 58 will be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, and students will be invited to observe a brief moment of silence. Although the events of Sept. 11, 2001 are not directly taught in K-8 school curriculum, we encourage you to discuss this significant event in our nation’s history with your children to the extent and depth you believe is developmentally appropriate for your child(ren). Additionally, this is a wonderful opportunity to encourage your children to look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless and loving; and, if possible, to say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe.
One reason we remember Sept. 11 is that we want to preserve the memory of the victims who lost their lives and those who died in service to others. Another reason to remember is to honor the courageous service of our firefighters, police officers, paramedics and military. In the face of this disaster, we saw courage: firefighters, police officers and paramedics rushed to help. We saw selflessness: strangers helped strangers. We saw love: people from around the world sent cards, supplies and comfort.
This is an opportunity to turn something negative into a positive activity by honoring the good work of others and by doing good works ourselves. Look for opportunities to be courageous, selfless, and loving; and if possible, say thank you to those who work so hard to keep us well and safe.