Hope Prevails September 11 Anniversary Memorials in NY, Washington, Pennsylvania & Across U.S.

September 11 - Hope & Renewal


#11 in an 11-Day Memorial Series of Posts


Since the 1st of September I've been writing a post a day about 9/11 for MBE's special 11 Days of September memorial series.  Over those days I've shared the many ways that hope and renewal have emerged from this great tragedy that killed 2,977 people on September 11, 2001. Today, on the the 10th anniversary of this attack on the heart of the USA, memorials took place in every time zone from New York to L.A. -- in all 50 states -- across our precious homeland in big cities and small towns.

9/11 Memorial Garden in Beverly Hills

In New York, family members of the World Trade Center victims attended a ceremony at the site and the names of all those who died from the 9/11 terror attacks were read in alphabetical order. Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, along with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle were present. At 8:46 a.m., the time when American Flight #11 crashed into the North Tower 10 years ago, there was a moment of silence. A second moment of silence was observed there at 9:03 a.m., at the exact moment that United Flight #175 slammed into the South Tower.

Relatives of victims lost at the Pentagon attended a memorial service at Flight 77's final destination. President Obama laid a wreath at the site. In the nation's Capitol, residents and visitors in Washington paused for their own moment of silence at 9:37 a.m. -- the exact time when the fated American Flight #77 blazed through the solid granite walls of the Pentagon. Then, at 10:03 a.m., all was quiet momentarily in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Flight #93 was downed in a country field after passengers and crew put up a valiant fight to regain control of the plane from the terrorists. There, family and visitors gathered at the new Wall of Names at the place where the fourth plane crashed, causing a huge crater. Before flying to Washington for the memorial ceremony at the Pentagon, President and Michelle Obama laid a wreath at this memorial site, too.

1 of 2 items recovered from Pentagon belonging to Flight 77 's Pilot
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com


Elsewhere around the U.S. in other time zones memorial activities of all kinds took place.  On the West Coast I was fortunate to attend the unveiling and dedication of the City of Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden next to the main fire station and just a few blocks from downtown Beverly Hills. 

 The ceremony included the Beverly Hills Police Department honor guard and bagpipes participating in the Presentation of Colors, the Star Spangled Banner sung by 10 year-old Robynne French, and the traditional 5-5-5 ringing of the firehouse bells signifying the loss of life. The meaningful festivities also included an elaborate Retire the Colors ceremony along with an explanation of the symbolic folding of the flag into a triangle and the laying of the wreath at the memorial site.


This was an emotional day for us all. But, I think the highlight for me, and many of those present, was the keynote address by Brad Burlingame who lost his brother Charles F. Burlingame III, the pilot of Flight #77. The memorial garden itself is an eloquent example of how hope and renewal have sprung forth in America. 

 The centerpiece of this remembrance garden is a twisted and bent beam recovered from the World Trade Center. This 1800 pound object reminds us that even though America endured a catastrophic event that day, our nation was strong and showed courage and resiliency to bounce back. In summary, our spirit and resolve can never be broken, but will only grow stronger. That is what true hope and renewal is all about.
9/11 Beverly Hills Memorial Dedication Flowers
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

 Don't miss the other posts in this unique Mommy Blogger
September 11th Memorial
Series of Hope & Renewal
Thursday, September 1, 2011 - Imagery of a Pink Hand Bag
Friday, September 2, 2011 – Life is Too Short After 9/11 Book Review
Saturday, September 3, 2011 – Charity Event Fitting Memorial to 9/11
Sunday, September 4, 2011 – Songs & Music Inspired by 9/11
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 – Teaching Kids from K-12 About 9/11
Thursday, September 8, 2011 –  9/11 Acknowledged by Fashion's Night Out
Friday, September 9, 2011 – Children's Readathon at World Trade Center 9/10
Saturday, September 10, 2011 – 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance
Sunday, September 11, 2011 – 10th Anniversary is Marked in Cities & Towns Across U.S.


Please Comment

 What did your city or town do to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11?
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President Obama Designates September 11th As a National Day of Service and Remembrance

September 11 - Hope & Renewal
#10 in an 11-Day Memorial Series of Posts

This is the tenth post reflecting on 9/11 in MBE's special 11 Days of September memorial series focusing on all the ways hope and renewal have emerged from this great tragedy.

Today I found an uplifting email in my box from President Barack Obama announcing that tomorrow, September 11th, has been designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The President, First Lady and their daughters will be participating in various service and charity projects this weekend to reaffirm our nation's strength. He invites us all to follow that example and do the same.

My Kids on a Visit to the Nation's Capitol Some Years Ago
Vintage Photo, Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com


Here is an extract from the official White House correspondence I received:

Tomorrow, on the tenth anniversary of the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, we will mourn the innocent lives lost, honor the heroic first responders who rushed to the scene, and pay tribute to our troops and military families who have served over the past ten years to keep us safe and strong.

But, I also hope you'll remember how the worst terrorist attack in American history brought out the best in the American people. From giving blood, volunteering time,and donating clothing, food and money, in the weeks and months after the attacks,we were united as a nation, everyone doing their part to lend a hand and help the country move forward together.

With just a small act of service, or a simple act of kindness towards others, you can both honor those we lost and those who serve us still, and help us recapture the spirit of generosity and compassion that followed 9/11.

As a family my kids, hubbie and I always seem to be involved in community service projects. In fact, I'm an advocate of teaching kids how to give back to the local communities where they live.  We are definitely parents and children who volunteer together.  Even if you don't have time during the rest of the year, consider getting involved in something tomorrow in your local community to make the world a better place.

Opportunities to help others abound and there is something that every American can find to do. Join the President and my family and participate in this National Day of Service.  Check the Serve.gov website for what's going on in your backyard and how you can help. I just looked up my own area and was surprised to see about 3500 opportunities near where I live that need some help tomorrow.

Here is how that email closes...

This weekend, I encourage all Americans to remember not only the innocent lives we lost on that day, but to remember the ordinary goodness and patriotism of the American people and the spirit of unity that brought us together during the days and weeks after the attacks of September 11th.  

Sincerely,
President Barack Obama

Don't miss the other posts in this unique Mommy Blogger
September 11th Memorial
Series of Hope & Renewal
Thursday, September 1, 2011 - Imagery of a Pink Hand Bag
Friday, September 2, 2011 – Life is Too Short After 9/11 Book Review
Saturday, September 3, 2011 – Charity Event Fitting Memorial to 9/11
Sunday, September 4, 2011 – Songs & Music Inspired by 9/11
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 – Teaching Kids from K-12 About 9/11
Thursday, September 8, 2011 –  9/11 Acknowledged by Fashion's Night Out


Please Comment
What are you and/or your kids doing in your local community to help for National Day of Service and Remembrance?





FTC Disclosure: I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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Free 9/10 Public Kid's Readathon at World Trade Center Heralds Hope & Literacy

September 11 - Hope & Renewal
#9 in an 11-Day Memorial Series of Posts

In this post reflecting on 9/11 in MBE's special 11 Days of September memorial series, hope and renewal have emerged among families and children. A special read-a-thon educational event for under served local NYC children -- which is also free and open to the public -- takes place tomorrow ahead of Sunday's memorial at the World Trade Site in New York. This activity for children and families is noteworthy because it will celebrate hope and the positive, transformative power of literacy. 
A former WTC steel support to be dedicated on 9/11 in Beverly Hills
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

It is also fitting, considering that the foundation organizing this event is honoring its namesake -- a victim of the terrorist attack 10 years ago.  I can't think of a more appropriate public activity as this considering that 3,052 children -- with an average age of 9 years old -- lost a mom or dad on that fateful Tuesday in 2001. Also that President George W. Bush was reading to young kids in a Florida classroom when he first received word of the terrorist attack.
A child in California who lost his dad on 9/11 drew this picture
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

The Brooke Jackman Foundation Read-a-thon scheduled from 10 am - Noon on Saturday, September 10 is the only event by an outside organization occurring inside the World Financial Center during the upcoming memorial weekend.  Guest readers and performers include many well-known names in the entertainment business as well as various children's authors and New York City personalities. 

Organizers expect this to be not only an afternoon of educational fun but also a celebration of literacy and hope. The event, hosted by Arts World Financial, will take place at the World Financial Center Winter Garden, 220 Vesey Street in New York City. The location provides up-close views of the progress taking place on the future Freedom Tower.

This is the 2nd annual read-a-thon for The Brooke Jackman Foundation that was founded in memory of Brooke Jackman, a 23-year-old avid reader who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks before achieving her dream of becoming a social worker. 
Since 2001, the organization has donated over a hundred thousand books as well as 10,000 Brooke Packs filled with school supplies to families in need. The group has also founded four libraries, as well multiple after school literacy programs at sites across the five boroughs of New York.

Don't miss the other posts in this unique Mommy Blogger
September 11th Memorial
Series of Hope & Renewal
Thursday, September 1, 2011 - Imagery of a Pink Hand Bag
Friday, September 2, 2011 – Life is Too Short After 9/11 Book Review
Saturday, September 3, 2011 – Charity Event Fitting Memorial to 9/11
Sunday, September 4, 2011 – Songs & Music Inspired by 9/11
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 – Teaching Kids from K-12 About 9/11
Thursday, September 8, 2011 –  9/11 Acknowledged by Fashion's Night Out


Please Comment
What ideas do you have to share about helping children, both those who were young kids in 2001 and future generations, to find hope after such a national tragedy?


FTC Disclosure: I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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References to 9/11 Everywhere Among Retailers at Fashion's Night Out 2011

September 11 - Hope & Renewal
#8 in an 11-Day Memorial Series of Posts

This is the eighth post reflecting on 9/11 in MBE's special 11 Days of September memorial series pointing out the various ways hope and renewal has emerged from this great tragedy.
Though this Thursday evening, September 8th, was festive, acknowledgments of the forthcoming 10th anniversary of September 11th by the fashion industry were present at Fashion Night Out 2011.  At Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills the catwalk fashion show culminated with a grouping of female and male models wearing different outfits in red, white, and blue.

Guess Beverly Hills, FNO Neon Sign

Also, at Brooks Brothers in Beverly Hills, a classic commemorative tie is being sold with 100% of net sales going to the 9/11 Memorial.  These are just two of the many examples of how retail businesses are remembering this great tragedy in their own way, while at the same time looking forward, upbeat and positive with renewed hope for the future.
Neiman Marcus FNO Runway Show

My 14 year old daughter and I attended Fashion Night Out in Beverly Hills, California, but Fashion's Night Out 2011 was a huge worldwide shopping event with activities elsewhere around Southern California.  In fact, a total of 250 cities around the U.S. also participated -- with 1,178 retailers in New York City alone. That's not even to mention the other 18 countries such as Greece, UK, Japan, China, Brazil, France, South Korea, and others  -- also involved in this year's event which is intended to stimulate consumer spending worldwide.

Brooks Brothers Ties Benefiting the 9/11 Memorial

Don't miss the other posts in this unique Mommy Blogger
September 11th Memorial
Series of Hope & Renewal
Thursday, September 1, 2011 - Imagery of a Pink Hand Bag
Friday, September 2, 2011 – Life is Too Short After 9/11 Book Review
Saturday, September 3, 2011 – Charity Event Fitting Memorial to 9/11
Sunday, September 4, 2011 – Songs & Music Inspired by 9/11
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 – Teaching Kids from K-12 About 9/11
Thursday, September 8, 2011 –  9/11 Acknowledged by Fashion's Night Out


Please Comment
What things have you noticed that retailers and businesses are doing to acknowledge September 11th? Please share your thoughts.




FTC Disclosure: I attended Fashion's Night Out in Beverly Hills and on Rodeo Drive and enjoyed a variety of entertainment and refreshments in various shops in this upscale shopping district. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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Teaching children about 9/11 - Free School Lesson Curriculum Resources for K-12


September 11 - Hope & Renewal


 #7 in an 11-Day Memorial Series of Posts

This is the seventh post in MBE's special 11 Days of September memorial series.

New York City Department of Education Schools and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum have just announced the release of new, jointly developed free curriculum that schools can use with students to discuss the events of September 11, 2001. The new resources coincide with the 10th anniversary of the tragedy and focus primarily on the sacrifices made by first responders that day. The materials are intended to teach from the point of view that this was an attack on freedoms shared not only by New Yorkers but by the entire nation.


Me with my kids who were 4 and 5 years old in early September 2001
Vintage photo by MommyBlogExpert.com


According to the news release issued at the beginning of this month by the New York Schools Chancellor's Office, teachers are encouraged to integrate these lessons into the school year. The materials are meant  for use in Social Studies, History, English Language Arts, and Art.

These lesson plans, written with the help of New York City public school teachers, are divided into four categories: Historical Impact; Community & Conflict; Heroes & Service; and Memory & Memorialization.  The entire program is also designed to build and strengthen writing and critical thinking skills.

Download this Free 9/11 School Curriculum
for Grades K-12 HERE

Don't miss the other posts in this unique Mommy Blogger
September 11th Memorial
Series of Hope & Renewal
Thursday, September 1, 2011 - Imagery of a Pink Hand Bag
Friday, September 2, 2011 – Life is Too Short After 9/11 Book Review
Saturday, September 3, 2011 – Charity Event Fitting Memorial to 9/11
Sunday, September 4, 2011 – Songs & Music Inspired by 9/11
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 – Teaching Kids from K-12 About 9/11
Thursday, September 8, 2011 –  9/11 Acknowledged by Fashion's Night Out
Friday, September 9, 2011 – Children's Readathon at World Trade Center 9/10
Saturday, September 10, 2011 – 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance
Sunday, September 11, 2011 – 10th Anniversary is Marked in Cities & Towns Across U.S.

Please Comment
What plans do you or your kids have to teach or learn about September 11th? You are encouraged to share your ideas for learning at every age level.

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
No comments:
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