The tragic events of 9/11 unfolded, and our country was united in brotherhood. We had scores of heroes, and we helped one another with selfless acts of kindness. Since then, my school has celebrated “Kindness, Peace, and Love Day” every September. We come together to meet and honor heroes. We talk about the hero in all of us, and the kindness in all of us.
Police Officer Rachel and Firefighter Lindsay joined us this week. They told the children how helping one another and being kind makes them a hero. They shook hands with each and every child. We thanked them for all they do.
Imagine being a child on a playground with the entire school, looking at a big American flag and hearing a real police officer and real firefighter tell you that you can be a hero.
My class proudly held the American flag. The Pre-K class led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and my class sang “God Bless America”, loud and clear. We sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” with the Kindergarten class. And, we sang a wonderful new patriotic song, “Red, White, and Blue”.
Do you know the pride of holding the American flag and singing patriotic songs, with heroes? I do, and so do the children in my class. It’s hard to sing the words when your heart gets tangled with your throat.
Firefighter Lindsay taught me how to fold the American flag, in front of all the children. They were spellbound. It looked like magic to transform the flag.
And, it was. The children went back to their class or stayed out on the playground. Funny thing, Police Officer Rachel and Firefighter Lindsay stayed. They felt such a part of this event and wanted it not to end. Children talked with them individually. Everyone connected.
Goodness is triumphant. The events that happened after 9/11 have become the foundation for thanking our heroes, seeing the hero in all of us, and celebrating Kindness, Peace, and Love.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Jennie this is beautiful. God, what perspective of caring and compassion that you offer to these kids. Thank you for sharing, and many blessings to you!. Loving, Debbie
Thank you so much!
Well done, Jen!
Thanks, Jonna!
Great stuff!!!
Thank you, John!
It was a tragic event that changed the world forever
Yes, it was. Thank you for reading!
Very nice. As a child in elementary school (K-8), every Memorial Day the classes would gather in the schoolyard to sing patriotic songs, including all the military ballads. Each classroom was responsible for a song. We would finish with the Pledge and our national anthem. Finally, in the distance, an unseen bugler would play taps. Yes, that was in the 50s and things have changed. Unfortunately, I feel that we’ve lost the feeling of patriotism in large measure. Your story reminded me of those Memorial Days. Both were great experiences for kids.
Thank you! I had a similar experience in elementary school in the 50’s and early 60’s. I feel both lucky and proud to bring patriotism to children. The best and
most important part is that I sing patriotic songs all year long. Therefore, a Memorial Day Remembrance is pretty powerful. That’s when I invite members of our military to join us. Wish you could be there! I will now have to find a bugler. Really.
Where are you located? By the way, just finished an evening with my three friends so I have to start Bar Chronicles #6. As a teacher, I think you’ll like it.
I am in Massachusetts. How about you? I look forward to #6. Best, Jennie
Well, I’m from Worcester, but living in western NY since ’76. Still a loyal Red Sox fan. As a teacher, you’ll enjoy #6. Be patient, it takes me awhile to write these stories. 😉
I am quite patient, so no worries. Love this Red Sox team this year. Can’t get enough of Ortiz.
What a wonderful day for kids to learn about and get to meet everyday heroes! I like it when kids are able to visit with those hard working, brave municipal workers that help all of us. Police officers are stationed in our junior and high schools now (a sign of the times), but I notice how they visit with the kids and how they develop a rapport with one another. I was wondering if you are familiar with spoken word poet and teacher, Sarah Kay? She is one of my favorites and has a wonderful story about growing up in NY on that fateful day. It is called Extended Development, if you would like to check it out on You Tube. Wonderful post!
Thank you so much! You are so right about children developing a rapport and how important that is. And, I will definitely check out Sarah Kay.
Beautiful and important post. What a world it would be if we all celebrated kindness, peace, and love!
Indeed it would be a wonderful world. Thank you, Marcia!
Because of your great blog & heart of compassion, I’ve chosen you for the
Versatile Blogger Award 🙂 Click link for details https://huntsclubhouse.wordpress.com/2016/09/27/new-blogger-award/