"I felt bad for the families that had to go though the sadness of having their mom or dad die. I think we should stand united together. USA, UNITED WE STAND."
--Kayla, 10
"When ever I see the Twin Towers being attacked, I want to break down and
cry. At school we did special things to remember the victims."
--Alexa, 12
"I will always remember September 11th, 2001. It was my 14th b-day when America was under attack. The world isn't safe any more. Sep. 11th changed many Americans' lives. I was sitting in my 2nd period math class when a teacher came in and said the WTC 'got hit by a plane."
--Jaim
"I learned to take care of myself. What happened on September 11, wasn't a joke!"
--Jennifer, 10
"We were all at school on 9/11 and all our teachers were crying and it was devastating.
I went home wondering what was going on and when I got home, I had the shock of my life. In front of my eyes on television were the towers falling. The first thing I thought was, 'How did this happen? What's going on?' My mom told me and then I said, 'Oh my God, Lexi!' You see one of my friends who lived next door to me moved to Manhattan near the WTC and I was worried something happened to her. So naturally, I called her and asked, 'Lexi, are you alright?' and she said 'Yeah but we have some problems,' so we talked and she told me that when the towers fell she and all the kids in school started running. Thankfully she didn't tell me anyone had died. After 9/11, my mom and my cousin were talking about Bin Laden. We thought his actions were extremely stupid and more. September 11th was a horrific day but it brought America together."
--Aqib, 10
"On 9/11 at school, everybody was panicking. I was like, 'What's going on?' Then my mom came and picked me up. I then asked my mom, 'What was going on?' As my mom told me what happened, I was terrified. Who would do such a thing? As soon as I got home I watched the news. I was scared. I couldn't believe what was happening. I hope the world will have peace."
--Anonymous
"America now knows we can withstand any disaster."
--Kelly, 9
"The way I feel about the September 11th is that it was sad how all those people's families died. If the kids could help those people whose families died, thank you."
--Kayla, 10
"Some positive things that changed us is that we are more united than ever before. What I have learned about myself is that I've become braver and I trust people more."
--Marta, 10
"I just don't understand why Osama did this. Why does he hate us so much? America is the land of freedom. I think that he is jealous that he can't live here. I can't see any positive things coming out of Sept. 11. Lots of people died for no reason. I feel bad."
--Tab, 12
"I hate terrorists. They are stupid and our army will get them. My mom is afraid to go on an airplane. I told her I would protect her if it got hijacked and she laughed at me."
--Paul, 10
"Something beautiful has come out of 9-11. The USA has come together, united, and helped our country. Ever since 9-11 I've found a braver part of myself and I've been more grateful to my family, my friends' families, my parents, friends, etc. Everyone's more grateful for each other and I think it's wonderful to see that."
--Daniella, 9
"When I found out about 9/11, I was still at home getting ready for school. I learned that you have to enjoy every second of your life, because you may die tomorrow. If you think about all those people who died, you think, 'What if they did not enjoy their last day on earth?' or 'What if they had a bad morning?' Imagine how they died. Some did not enjoy their last minute on earth, yet some did. Some called their loved ones and said I love you and some didn't. Those who were on the plane I bet said their prayers, and some people called their families to say their last words. I think we all should try to move on. It will be hard but if we try together, maybe not. I am not saying we are going to never remember what happened on that awful day, I am saying we should try to not get sad all the time."
--Valerie, 11
"It made me realize how lucky you are, and not to take things for granted."
--Milian, 12
"At school a LOT of kids said that the same people that did 9-11 are going to do something to our water, like put poison in it. My mom said that there is nothing that they can do, but I can't be sure. This whole thing is scary enough as it is. I don't need any more stories."
--Amanda, 12
"I was at my school when my step brother came and said something happened. I was like, 'What happened?' and he said that two planes went into the Twin Towers. I was so shocked. I burst into tears as I found out my older step brother was in the tower and they said that they found him but he died. I was crying, and I was so sad that year."
--Clarissa, 12
"I am more helpful and prayerful. Whenever I am mad at someone I will be more apt to forgive them quicker because you never know what could happen. I have learned about myself and that I should count my blessings everyday and realize and thank God that I am alive and healthy."
--Kate, 12
"Well, almost everybody I know now needs a shoulder to cry on and someone to talk to about it. I had a really good friend in NYC in the Twin Towers with her uncle on his business trip. She died there and I didn't stop crying one moment until the next week. My mom even said I cried in my sleep."
--Samantha, 10
"I was at school at the time and when I got home for lunch I saw it on the news and I was horrified! Even though we were all sad for the families of those who died, it strengthened us and made us think before we back talk to our parents or beat up our siblings, because you never know what will happen next. AMERICA RULES!!!!!!!!"
--Kiara, 12
"9/11. Sept. 11th. I learned that WE should appreciate each other more!!"
--Estella, 12
"Since 9/11, everybody is more kind to people. Before 9/11, maybe somebody dropped their glasses and somebody said, 'BE more careful!' Now if that would happen, a person will help them pick it up or something. We are more careful and caring."
--Cassidy, 12
"I know it's very hard after 9/11. I feel very sorry for those who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center Attack. The U.S. Army will find Osama Bin Laden, dead or alive."
--Mike, 11
"I experienced new things and bad things. I learned that we all can help by being different, and that can make a difference."
--Stephanie, 13
"Well, the subject I'm choosing to talk about is Islam. I know since Sept. 11th people have been having misconceptions and fears about Muslims and Islam, but there's nothing to fear about it. Trust me, Islam is a very, very peaceful faith! There are just people out there that want to manipulate and build up false anger among the American public! I believe people need to do some thorough research on Islam and Muslims, rather than just taking it from the media. I love Islam and being Muslim! But it's up to you and your parents to research and be more informative. Thanks for reading!"
--Aisha
"I don't know why but when I found out about 9-11, I just thought 'so what.'"
--Karin, 10
"I really feel sorry for what this world has come to and sad for all the people who died and those they left behind. I feel scared for what will happen in the future and I just want to say that no matter what happens: United we stand and God bless America."
--Kelley, 11
"On 9-11 I was at school, and when I came home I was shocked. I think it was the worst thing that ever happened. Although it was bad, there was one thing that happened that Osama didn't want, we came together. We are still together and are ready for another attack to happen if Osama wants to. All of us Americans are together. It's like the pledge says: 'One nation under God, indivisible, in justice for all.'"
--Laura, 9
"I think the week of September 11th was sad but good at the same time. I'm not trying to be mean but I noticed how there were no killings in the United States. Everyone was united and no one was killing each other. Strangers joining hands is a beautiful thing to see. I'm from New York and I love it. All I have to say to the terrorists is that red, white and blue doesn't run and we never will. I love u all. May God bless us and everyone, everywhere."
--Juanita, 11
"I wish there was no world war."
--Bobo, 9
"I learned that we shouldn't take life for granted because it's short and we should not judge others by the color of their skin or how they look or by their religion. We are all Americans and we're in this together 100%."
--Marisa, 12
"September 11th! Omg! It was the hardest thing to face. It felt like a dream although it was not. My family and I did the best we could to overcome it 'till now. We pray for all the people who lost their families. Since 9-11, me and my family have learned that anything could happen to any of us, any day, any time, any place so we've learned to share our feelings and our thoughts each and every single day. When we were watching on TV people jumping out of the windows, it was the saddest thing ever. I myself felt like I was useless. If only I had the power to help them, then maybe they would still be alive by now. The tragedy that happened actually is not something that you see every day, besides the lost families and all the loved ones, many people were affected!"
--Candy, 13
"Well, since we're America and in this together, I really calm down by remembering that it's not just affecting me. It's affecting everyone & we can help each other by just listening to each other. I've learned that if I can handle it, so can others, & if all of us can handle it, then I know we'll get through this."
--Ashley, 8
"With the September 11th attacks, I've learned that I'm more caring. I've learned that you should always be thankful for what you have."
--Jordanne, 11
"What happened brought us Americans together in a way I never would have thought. We are more united, like a family, and I am truly blessed to be an American."
--Lindsay, 10
"I've learned that no matter how old or young you are, you can still die."
--Amber, 10
"It has changed me a lot this year it makes me think, 'What if that person was not here tomorrow?' It scares me to think all those people were just going to work and all of a sudden the planes crashed and in a few seconds they were gone. You have to think you'll be telling your grandkids about that day. But we must stay strong. United we stand."
--Sam-o, 11
"I think people should take this seriously. I feel so bad. I was in New York when it happened. I also was in school."
--Keri, 11
"September 11, 2001. Yes, it was a hard and a big tragedy to overcome, but lots of good things happened from it. America became united and remembered how lucky we are to live in a wonderful country! I know 9/11 changed us by making us think differently and made us do things that you would never think of doing. Families talking and becoming closer. 9/11 encouraged me to go to a camp to become closer with God. Singing songs of joy, talking about whatever while sitting around the campfire. Before I came to this camp, I rarely went to church. I didn't know as much about the Bible and how to make friends that you can talk to. Now I think more about hope, for the future and what it will bring. September changed me inside and out. It changed how I think and how fortunate we are. September 11th changed me forever and I would have never ever guessed what would come out of it. So have fun. Move on and feel two feelings at once: sad and happy!!! "
--Paige, 12
"I am so terribly sad that 9-11 had to happen. I was so sad and had tears in my eyes when I watched the special on TV. The firemen worked so hard, but still many died. :( I thank them.--Laura, 12
"I wish it didn't happen."
--Lindsay, 9
"I learned that we're not safe everywhere we go, so I try to be more careful about my life. I try to help others too. One of my friend Taylor's friends died in the Trade Center. I try to help her get past that."
--Memory, 10
"When I see pictures of 9/11 I just remember what happened that day."
--Mark, 9
"I feel we should be the best we should possibly be and let these attacks make us stronger, not weaker. "
--Edward, 12
"The positive things that have come up with the experiences of 9-11 was that a lot of people are starting to be more respectful to each other, and that really means a lot because you're showing people that you care. "
--Hannah, 11
"I think what changed me was that Osama Bin Laden had to hijack the planes into the Twin Towers. He destroyed tons of people and two of the best towers, and now it's gone."
--Joe, 9
"What helps me, is making up songs about September 11th or I just write about it. Sometimes I just sing the National Anthem."
--TI, 11
"I have learned that you should never hate anyone just because they are
different."
--Lakevious, 12
"I talk to my mom and dad because I'm afraid it might happen again."
--Raul, 12
"Last year, when I heard that the attack took place at the World Trade Center, I was crying badly. Almost everybody was crying at school that day, but I didn't know that we were attacked by the terrorists. I couldn't understand a lot."
--Darshana, 11
"Since 9/11, I have learned more about life. Like when you go to school and your parents go to work, will you ever see them again? Will that person be there?? You will never know what will happen in the future. Now, in the USA, you have to be searched and take only a small amount of baggage with you when you get on an airplane. Parents are more overprotective now. In small communities people are scared because people are more scared now. Since 9/11, I've been more aware of mostly everything 'cause you never know what's gonna happen next."
--IZ, 13
"I felt that the world stopped spinning that September day. I just felt like it was the end of the world to me. But I guess I lived. I feel bad for the people who died on 9/11."
--Ashley, 11
"I feel sorry for America and all of the families of the people who died. I think whoever did this is so sick and I reckon they should be punished. I also think that other countries should not be so involved in it because they could strike us as well. It is so evil to bomb people who did not do anything wrong. When I woke up last year and saw the news I was so afraid."
--Eleanor, 11
"It's strange to think that I woke to a peaceful everyday morning, while on the other side of the country people were weeping over their losses. I didn't know anything about it until I got to school. I was very upset and annoyed that I was the only one who didn't know about it. I hope that all those that had a loss, know that at least their loved ones are in a safer place where no one worries and no war is brewing. After 9/11 I helped in any way I could. I donated some of my most favorite books to send, thinking if they learn how to read, those who are poor can get a better job that will get them food. I also took a few cans of corn and donated them. I thought that at least I'll make a few faces smile and stomachs stop growling. I also donated what money I was saving too. I felt like I had given a million things to the world. It made me feel like I was actually going over to those starving and poor people and giving all I had to them. I had a very good feeling inside me. I hope my books are being put to use!"
--Laura, 12
"I am happy because America is much safer. I'm not afraid to ride in airplanes anymore!"
--Student, 11
"September 11th has really showed me that life isn't perfect and bad things happen. We just have to accept that America isn't perfect! God bless America!"
--Annie, 11
"I learned bad things happen to everyone; even those living in the U.S. I also learned that even though everyone complains about the government and no one agrees with all the decisions the government makes, I am still a patriotic person who loves my country. I also learned that God is what has kept us great and strong and we need Him to survive. Now that we have turned away from him, we are in a war and everything. I wish people would turn back to Him."
--Constance, 13
"This day still haunts me when I think about it! But, usually when I think about the people who might have lost someone very special to them, I pray and think about when this war will end. I've learned that I feel more scared than I've ever been before, and I am also more reliable to some of my friends!"
--Kathryn, 11
"At my school kids don't care where you're from. When a kid didn't eat lunch because of Ramadan, no one cared."
--Nicole, 9
"My name is Rebecca. My cousin died on 9-11…he worked in one of the towers. Even though I live in Eugene, Oregon, there was a lot I could do to help my aunt and uncle and cousins who live in NYC right now. We call them about every day or they call us. I have learned to respect myself and others forever. I hope that kids across America understand that being just a kid doesn't mean that you can't help out. You can tell your parents to donate to the Red Cross or start a fund of some kind. By being "just a kid" you still have a lot of power. I still think about my cousin Aaron every day and my family and I pray for his family. I hope that everybody knows that 9-11 changed my life and I hope it changed every other life out there."
--Rebecca
"Our school is going to plant plants after a prayer service on the anniversary."
--Pati, 9
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