nmah2981.xml

nmah2981.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-10

On the morning of September 11th, 2001, I was teaching my first period of ninth grade students at Vestavia Hills High School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. I had entered the building just minutes before the attack, and had no idea of the tragic events until a vague announcement was made over the intercom. The secretary reassured students and faculty that there had been some kind of attack, but all was safe for us for the time being. My emotions flipped from fear to confusion; I immediately wanted to check on my family. I knew that whatever had happened, I had to remian calm and secure for my students. Some of them were joking about it, not fully realizing the gravity of the situation. Others were scared and confused like me. I asked my class is they would abject to a few minutes or prayer time. I explained that I was not forcing anyone to pray, but that I felt it was more than appropriate to remember those in harm's way, and the security of our nation in prayer. They readily agreed. We did not get the full story until much later when we finally gained access to a television. As I watched in shocked silence, I saw the WTC collapse again and again. When I finally talked to my husband and children, mother and father, I wanted to weep - weep for those lost, weep for those who had lost precious loved ones, and weep with gratitude that I still had mine.

I have become even more vocal and committed to establishing patriotism in my children and my students. I encourage them to be critical listeners of media coverage, to consider the sources and think about events from different points of view. I believe even more strongly that those of us who believe in our God must speak out and encourage others to pray and fight for our right to pray. I pray for our leaders that they may have wisdom and courage. I pray that citizens would stop hiding behind political correctness and stand for what they believe in, and that they believe in protecting our country, families, and way of life.

I think we should remember that we can never take for granted the freedom for which many brave men and women fought and gave their lives. I think we should remember the honor and integrity that many displayed on that day, and try not to reserve it for emergencies. I remember seeing the same politicians that voted prayer out of schools standing on the White House steps praying and singing hymns.I think we should remember that we should hold those same people to those standards every day, not just on horrific days filled with terror.

Yes, we flew an American flag in front of our house until some wretched soul stole it. We bought another and replaced the first with more secure fastenings.
I feel a renewed sentiment when I see our flag waving, and remember more strongly than ever the freedoms that it represents. I teach my children to show respect and appreciation for the flag, and encourage them to pass that on to their peers.