Although many of my students were toddlers 13 years ago today, I still see the importance of a teachable moment. We begin each morning with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Today, I added the following reflection: Remembrance of the 13th Anniversary of the Events of September 11, 2001 - Overview and Opening Welcome I’d like to ask you to devote this morning’s moment of silence to remembering the events of September 11, 2001. Today, we remember the many people who died in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. We want to honor them and their families. We recall the police, fire fighters, medics and chaplains who were the first responders, and we are grateful for their sacrifice. Lastly, we think of the soldiers who are still fighting overseas as a result of 9/11, and their families. Let us gather all these people into our hearts, along with all our love and concern. We maintain hope in peacemakers in all nations, that they would be successful in their efforts to bring peace and justice to our world, We strive for the strength to turn away from evil and hatred, for the power to convert enemies into friends, and for the wisdom to love others unconditionally Today is a day where we remember the people who are important to us. This poem may help you to think of them. IF I KNEW If I knew it would be the last time That Id see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and add an extra hug - so tight your heart would leap. If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for just one more. If I knew it would be the last time Id hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day. If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute to stop and say I love you, instead of assuming, you would KNOW I do. If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, ”Well Im sure youll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away”. For surely theres always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything just right. There will always be another day to say I love you, And certainly theres another chance to say “Is there anything I can do? But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, Id like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight. So if youre waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes, youll surely regret the day, That you didnt take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish. So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear, Tell them how much you love them and that youll always hold them dear Take time to say Im sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, or Its okay. And if tomorrow never comes, youll have no regrets about today. Source: Unknown Closing “We offer this moment of silence for the families whose lives were affected in connection with the tragedy of September 11, 2001, for those who have fallen fighting for our freedom the last 13 years, and those who continue to serve our country today.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:26:25 +0000
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