St. Stan’s Remembers 9-11

Ever since that infamous day of September 11, 2001, St. Stanislaus Kostka School has had a 9-11 curriculum. Prayers have been prayed, songs have been sung, bells have rung, poems have been written and read, stories have been told and re-told, names have been uttered and tears have stung.

On Thursday, September 11, 2008, the seventh anniversary of 9-11, St. Stanislaus Kostka School once again commemorated the day by a display of stunningly touching Daily News 9-11 front pages and an all-school assembly.

When the teachers and students arrived in the school hall on the morning of 9-11-08, they found three tables covered with white plastic tablecloths on which were displayed front and inside pages of the Daily News: photos of the dead, names of the dead and missing, the blue laser beams reminding the city to stop, remember and pray, images of flags, hero dogs and Mayor Giuliani. Children too young to remember were awed.

On a separate table were three large poster boards: one containing photos and names of persons who died in the Twin Towers and who were close to the students of St. Stan’s, one containing newspaper photos of one-year-old babies born on 9-11-01, and one commemorating those who died in Washington and Pennsylvania. These posters were assembled in 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively.

On the seventh anniversary commemorating 9-11, seven students from the second grade born in September 2001, stood respectfully on the stage holding a vigil candle representing the seven years since that infamous day. Older students recounted how nations around the world came to our support, offering prayers, condolences, material support, and especially solidarity of spirit. Nations as diverse as Canada, China, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Israel, Italy and Russia were one in sharing our grief and near despair. Each and all were one in raising our hopes and dreams of life and love again.

Yes, St. Stan’s has a living 9-11 curriculum and the students that walk the halls of the 80-year-old building will never forget the self-less heroism of the men and women who gave their lives that others might live.