FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2001
The following statement was read to Madison School District middle and high school students and all staff prior to a district-wide reflection and minute of silence at 9:00 a.m. this morning.
On Tuesday morning the America we value was forever changed. Thousands of our fellow citizens perished while going about their every day activities simply because they lived in America. For over 200 years we have stood for the value of human life. Nothing is more sacred. Unfortunately there are people in the world who believe that the taking of other peoples' lives accords value to their ideas and beliefs.
Today we pause to remember those who lost their lives on Tuesday. While we have seen unspeakable tragedy we have also seen heroic actions. We will always remember the firefighters and police who put their own lives at risk to save people whom they didn't know. Even more importantly we will remember the everyday Americans who lined up to give blood, the iron workers who volunteered to go into the buildings, and the thousands of candlelight vigils all across the nation.
While we pause to remember, we must also pause to vow that we will not compromise our values and our beliefs in the essential value of every person. Our ancestors came here from many places and many cultures to forge our great country. Together as brothers and sisters we will help each other heal and make our country stronger and more unified than ever.
The following statement was read to all elementary school students prior to the reflection and minute of silence.
All of us are very sad about the recent events that have happened in our country. You may have had a chance to talk about this with your family at home or with your teacher in your class. We want you to know that you have many adults who care about you.
For the next minute, we want everyone in school to be silent together to think about this. When we are sad, it is important to know that we get our strength from caring about each other, listening to each other and treating each other with respect.
Public Information Office
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
608-663-1879
email: newsrelease@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Modified: 2001-09-14
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