nmah5591.xml

nmah5591.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-08-12

I teach in a Northern Virginia high school, not far from Arlington and the Pentagon. I was explaining a lab in to my Biology students. My assistant principal entered my classroom and asked to speak to me in the hallway. As I left my classroom and followed her into the hall, she immediately burst into tears. She could barely explain to me what had happened through her tears. She came to me not long after the plane flew into the Pentagon.

I stood there speechless for quite some time. I didn't know what I should say or how I should act. All I knew was that I was scared but I couldn't show my fear to the 30 teenagers in my classroom. I collected my thoughts, comforted my administrator, took a deep breath and went back into my classroom to continue my lesson.

I knew that my students needed routine. I knew I needed that as well. I continued the rest of my day teaching my lesson plan - sneaking glances at CNN.com or watching the television in between classes, during lunch and planning period and at the end of the day.

I was planning my wedding at this time. My fiance and I had planned to go to Scotland for our honeymoon. After 9/11 I did not feel comfortable getting on a plane and flying over the Atlantic Ocean. We postponed a trip to Scotland and went to Disney World instead.

It took me sometime to get on a plane and fly anywhere. But I finally did when I went on my honeymoon, almost a year later.

I think the people that perished should definately be remembered. Innocent people lost their lives and they should never be forgotten.

I also think that the spirit Americans showed should be remembered.

Yes - I still do.

The principal at my school gave all the teachers American flag pins. I wore/wear mine on my lanyard, displaying my American pride.

I'm only 26 and I often wondered what patriotism was really like. I was alive during the Persian Gulf War, but I didn't totally understand it or even keep up with it. As an adult, I understand perfectly. And I display my pride - by posting the flag outside of my house and wearing the pin daily.

The American flag is a symbol of the blood of our forefathers that died so that our country could live on and we could enjoy freedom. It is an emblem of the liberities we enjoy and it should be respected by all Americans.