North Main marks Sept. 11 with remembrance service

MONROE — Although the students at North Main Elementary had no recollection of what happened 10 years ago on Sept. 11, school officials wanted to be sure they had a basic understanding of the day’s significance and paid their respect to those who lost their lives or were tragically affected by the day’s events. Last Friday, the entire student body and faculty gathered at the onset of school at its flag pole for a short remembrance ceremony, which included fourth-grade students singing “America the Beautiful” while concurrently performing the song in sign language. “Ten years ago, we saw this we saw this country come together like never before,” Principal Matthew Kravatz told the 607 students who crowded around the flag pole. “Ten years ago, we watched as neighbors embraced and strangers reached out to one another. Ten years ago, we witnessed the power of the human spirit. Even those of you who were not even born, have been impacted by that day.” And students did grasp why the school took the time for a moment of silence. “I was just kicking my mother in her stomach (10 years ago),“ said fourth-grader Shoshanna Ronen, who also sang at the ceremony. “But knowing that many died that day was heart-breaking.” Fourth-grader Jamie Waldron, who also sang with her, added: “It made me feel like my life was changed even though I wasn’t born yet.” Students also agreed the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks offered them a learning opportunity. “I think the lesson is the security guards and the government have learned to always watch out,” said fifth-grader Emily Schacher, who was randomly selected to raise the flag with fifth-grader Steven Brooks. “Be ready. Terrorism is really a serious thing.” Steven agreed, noting national security has been upgraded and people should not be so judgmental. “Not all people are bad,” he said. “In a bad way, they (Muslims) are stereotyped. You shouldn’t judge people before you know them.” - Nancy Kriz