Remembering September 11th

Remembering September 11th

Remembering September 11th
Reading Level

	edHelper's suggested reading level:	grades 4 to 6
	Flesch-Kincaid grade level:	8.48

Vocabulary

	challenging words:		firefighter, firehouse, Fundraisers, palette, pavers, phlox, tri-state, vigil, commercial, surrounding, frequently, candlelight, lavender, airline, cases, tribute
	content words:		United States, Twin Towers, New York City, World Trade Center, Ground Zero, New York, New Jersey, York City, Rockland County, Greg Sikorsky

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Remembering September 11th
By Jennifer Kenny

¹     September 11, 2001 will forever be a sad day in the history of the United States. The terrorist attacks that knocked down the Twin Towers, crashed a plane in Pennsylvania, and plunged a plane into the Pentagon killed thousands of people.

²     In the hours following the attacks, people became glued to the television for information, hoped for survivors, and contacted friends and family. Many turned to their faith and came together in churches and synagogues to pray. Many people close to the locations of the attacks volunteered to help out. In some cases, those from far away came, too. Fundraisers began across the nation to raise money to help the victims' families.

³     In the months following the attacks, many funerals were held to mourn individuals who lost their lives in the attacks. On the 6th month anniversary, two bright lights pierced through the New York City sky to mark the fallen twin towers of the World Trade Center. This event was called the "Tribute in Light." Of course, on national television, the entire country could watch the special ceremony as the first anniversary was remembered at the site of Ground Zero.

⁴     As time passed, individuals came together in many communities for special memorials. What is a memorial? A memorial is anything meant to help people remember a person or event. Many such memorials have been created in the tri-state area. The tri-state area is considered New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. New York City is a major commercial area. While many of the victims lived in the actual city, many others actually lived in the suburbs, or outskirts, of the city in the tri-state area. Some of the people who lost their lives were policemen, firemen, financial workers, and other business people who lived in the towns surrounding New York City and commuted, or traveled between work and home, each day. Many of the victims' hometowns have struggled with the best way to honor their residents.

⁵     Many local schools share a moment of silence with all the children to mark the actual anniversary each year. Some include the ringing of school bells as well. Counselors are available to speak with students and staff members on this day. Some schools also lower the flag. Many churches and synagogues hold special memorial gatherings each September 11th. Some communities, like the town of Orangetown, hold a candlelight vigil at the town hall.

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