EDHS Contemporary World Affairs

It is, of course, September 11th.

My favorite commentary related to the tragedy came from Fred Rogers, who is the famed "Mister Rogers" of beautiful-day-in-the-neighborhood childhood TV, and was actually about the Boston Marathon:

I have since September 11th referred to this idea as "the extraordinary heroism of ordinary people" - when times call for it, so often, people rise up and do amazing things to uplift one another, to be a helper, to make a difference.

Some questions to consider- feel free to address any or all in your response :) : Who is someone who makes a difference in YOUR life?  Who is one of your "helpers"? Who inspires you? What do you think is the  best way to commemorate 9/11 and honor those fallen in its wake?  Does the event feel less significant to you because it happened so early in your life, or do you think its significance to people who are older gives it sufficient resonance for you?

Some other great quotes in honor of the day (from http://www.latintimes.com/articles/8224/20130911/september-11-quotes-inspirational-twin-towers-sayings.htm#.UjCmJtKKLTo):

Perhaps the most powerful quote is that of the Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer, who signaled other passengers to attack the hijackers on September 11, when he said: "Are you guys ready? Let's roll!"

If the culprits are Muslim, they have twisted the teachings of Islam. Whoever performed, or is behind, the terrorist attacks in the United States of America does not represent Islam. God is not behind assassins. -- Muhummad Ali

Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward. Freedom will be defended! -- President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001

We must not descend to the level of those who perpetrated Tuesday's violence by targeting individuals based on their race, their religion, or their national origin. Such reports of violence and threats are in direct opposition to the very principles and laws of the United States and will not be tolerated. --John Ashcroft, Attorney General

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. -- Leo Buscaglia

Whatever it is that I have lost (or must give up) I must grieve. If I do not do my grieving about the old hurts and insults, then, when I am faced with a here and now grief experience, I will end up having to dredge up all that old energy along with the current experience. -- Elaine Childs-Gowell

September 11 is one of our worst days but it brought out the best in us. It unified us as a country and showed our charitable instincts and reminded us of what we stood for and stand for. --Lamar Alexander

"The wort terrorist attack in American history also brought out the best in our country...We are United as Americans." --President Barack Obama

"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirity of unity that followed 9/11." --President Barack Obama