September 11, 2001. On this day we encountered the most brutal attack on our fellow citizens, our nation and our freedom. On this day, now thirteen years later, we will never forget where we were, what we felt, what we saw and how we reacted. This one day in history will forever be a date etched in our minds that ultimately altered our life as we knew it.
As the publisher of Sussex Macaroni Kid, I would like to honor this day with my readers just as we did thirteen years ago. Our whole nation came together and united as one. We flew our flags, as many as we could raise, with glory and pride. We had hope and refused to give in. We were strong and we were proud to Americans.
One nation. Under God. Indivisible. With Liberty. And Justice For All.
Since then, 9/11 has grown each year to become the nation's largest day of charitable activity. In 2013, more than 47 million people in 150 countries performed good deeds for another on the 9/11 Day of Observance.
Since then, 9/11 has grown each year to become the nation's largest day of charitable activity. In 2013, more than 47 million people in 150 countries performed good deeds for another on the 9/11 Day of Observance.
As parents, we naturally try to protect and shelter our children from the bad in this world. But the ingredients of remembering and honoring our country rely on its leaders...and the most important leader in your child's life is you. Fred Rogers (of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood fame) said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would tell me to look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." Joining the 9/11 Day of Service gives us an opportunity to honor and remember all the 9/11 victims, as well as the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice helping others.
Without the heaviness of details, I have listed some suggestions and ideas to honor your patriotism.
Patriotic Projects:
See Pinspirations HERE
Library Reads:
- The Little Chapel that Stood by A. B. Curtiss
- America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell by Don Brown
- I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis
- September 11, 2001: Attack on New York City by Wilborn Hampton
- September 11 (We the People: Modern America series) by Mary Englar
- Jonas Wept by Regina Bargo
- Messages to Ground Zero: Children Respond to September 11, 2001 by Shelley Harwayne and New York City Board of Education
- Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman
- I Was Born on 9/11 by Cindy L. Rodriguez and Joyce L. Elliot
- The Day the Towers Fell: The Story of September 11, 2011 by Maureen Crethan Santora and Patricia Santora Cardona
- Hero Dogs: Canines in Action by Donna M. Jackson
- He Said Yes: The Story of Father Mychal Judge by Kelly Ann Lynch
- 21 Days at Ground Zero: A Young Volunteer's Story by Juliet McIntyre
- 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy
- September Roses by Jeanette Winter
- With Their Eyes: September 11th--The View from a High School at Ground Zero by Annie Thoms
- On That Day: A Book of Hope for Children by Andrea Patel
This year, you can help your children to better understand the concept of giving back by participating in service learning projects, "adopting" causes, and reaching out to members of our community. Scholastic has developed free guides and lesson plans for parents and teachers.
- 9/11 Day Parent's Guide
- 9/11 Day Teacher's Guide
- 9/11 Day Service Learning Projects (six different age-appropriate options)
You can also find local opportunities to volunteer HERE.
Learn more about 9/11 Day on Facebook and Twitter.
How will you honor and remember 9/11 this year?
"Each year, we create tons of luminaries to line our driveway and set a spotlight on Old Glory that shines bright all thoughout the night." MacMomma
Every year, we bring food to the local firestation and simply say Thank you! - Diana Cole Sandy Springs Dunwoody Macaroni Kid Publisher
Every year, we bring food to the local firestation and simply say Thank you! - Diana Cole Sandy Springs Dunwoody Macaroni Kid Publisher
