Almost eight months have passed since terrorism struck the United States Sept. 11. While it is true that our lives have been irreversibly changed, the ideals and truths that tie Americans together have never wavered.
Schools everywhere have done their part to teach the values of freedom and the privileges of being Americans.
Examples of this are as abundant in Middlesex County as they are anywhere.
One of the best such examples was Saturday at East Brunswick High School, when students and others from the community pledged money and/or walked to raise money for six local families that lost parents at the World Trade Center and that have children in the township’s schools.
The event was the culmination of months of fund-raising by the school’s Natural Helpers club, which had raised thousands of dollars prior to Saturday’s walk-a-thon.
These students have risen above the normal American’s responsibility, and they should be proud of themselves, as should all residents of East Brunswick.
But these students are not alone. Many other models of generosity and thoughtfulness can be seen in other school functions and programs that have been taking place in East Brunswick schools and in many of the surrounding districts.
By decorating school walls; writing poems, letters and essays both to and about the heroes of 9-11; sewing large quilts; flying the Stars and Stripes; soliciting donations; and sending thank-you notes to the rescue workers at both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, our youngsters have succeeded in bringing people together and touching lives beyond their communities’ borders.
These gestures show what a few people can do for others in need. Not only have they demonstrated the power of coming together for a just cause, but they have given meaning to the word community.