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ONLINE ARTICLES
September 11, 2001: 10 Years Later
Ellen Deitsch Stern 11-Sep-11
Ten years, but still the feelings surge when we hear the date. It was a day that changed the world in many ways, not just for Americans who had not seen devastation on their ground since their Civil War. It is like the day John F Kennedy was shot. Even today, most Americans can tell you just where they were when the news came through. Among the 3000 who died were citizens of many nations because people come to America and New York to find opportunity and the freedom to make their own choices. Our hearts go out again as families and friends relive the deaths of their loved ones—the ones who left for work that day and didn’t come home. Our hearts go out to those who are still suffering physical effects from the debris of the day. And our hearts go out to those who have suffered discrimination by being linked to those who devised a disaster plan. How are we to handle our memories? What does this day mean for our students some of whom were not yet born or were in elementary school ten years ago? Do we want them to live in fear as many of us have who have faced threats from others? It is important for us to recognize that no nation is free of discrimination or violence against others sometimes even within our borders. We can, however, face our own history and share our different perspectives in order to understand each other better. In our international schools, we have the opportunity to change the world. Our children can be different. They already are different. They will not fear strangers because they have played and learned side by side with young people who look different and have different ways. They have learned to pick their friends not by what they have or where they are from, but whether they are honest and loyal and caring. They have learned there are many ways to communicate—in different languages, spoken and seen. They are learning in our classes to seek what they have in common with others and how to resolve their differences peacefully. They are the voice and hands of the future. We can place our hope and trust in them. How then to commemorate such a day? On Sunday September 11, 201, The Cairo American College invites people to come to the Captan Amr Room. In it, you will find a lighted candle and an open book. Share your memories or your thoughts in any language—student, parent or staff member. Draw a small sketch or leave just two words behind, one to describe how you felt on that day and one to describe what you are feeling about it 10 years later. We will leave the book in the library for you to peruse the next day. May we all come to peace with our memories and use them to light our future path.
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Comments
09/13/2011 - Cindy
Thank you for this beautiful piece and your perspective on this day 10 years later. Yes, international schools are in a unique position to help change the world as their students are citizens of the world. I applaud your school's effort to commemorate the day in a way that's meaningful for everyone.
