NATION OF SURVIVORS
In the bright September morning without warning to us all
A few thousand lives were shattered and we watched two buildings fall
And a million souls felt empty and the flags at half-mast fly
In the memory of the innocent who didn't have to die
We've lost brothers, sisters, cousins, we've lost family and friends
But we've made the choice not to forget their lives and tragic ends
Though we've had our share of troubles we have put them all aside
As a nation grieves we find ourselves defending it with pride.
We're a nation of survivors with one heart we share a tear
And we live to serve the memory not giving into fear
Though they try to take security with the things they've done and said
All their acts of inhumanity bring unity instead
So we stand here as family, one heart, one soul, one voice
We are challenged by this moment and united here by choice.
Edaja

My cousin also worked in the World Trade Center, but luckily for her she was sick that day and did not go to work. I agree that we should built a monument in memory of those people who died in the accident. Although I am not a American, I share their grief.
a kid from Singapore

It was awful what happened. We watched it at school. I was too shocked to cry.
JM

On September 11, the world seemed to stop turning. Some of us sat down and cried, and some of us lost our loved ones. I still believe in hope and peace, and most of all, love. They can't take away our love for our country and our hope and freedom. God Bless America!
Marie-Danielle

Life...
That is a big thing in everyone
Everyone wants to be number 1
And competes with one another
But...
When you look at life, what do you see?
Do you see life as a treasure or an opportunity?
When you really look at life, it is a great gift
to cherish forever
The people that have been lost are a huge
influence to all of us, we love them all!
Take a moment to make some peace on Earth
we love everyone!
The world may never be perfect, but just try
to call the message of PEACE on Earth!
In loving memory of our lost friends and family!!!
Sheridan and Emma

On September 11 I felt the same way others did, I felt sad, mad, and most of all I felt frightened.
Krista

"The September 11 accident was bad. I hated it. I will never forget. I love my country and I did not like what they have done to our nation."
-Tusulum View Student

"I live in the UK and even though I was not there I know how horrible it is for all the Americans. One of my best friends moved to America on September 3rd and she went to work with her mum that day to the twin towers. Even though I'm finding it hard, you've got to get on with your life. This poem is dedicated to the people who have loved and lost."

Even though you cannot see them
They live on in your mind
Even though you cannot hear them
Their voice is in the wind
And even though they are not there
They will always be in your heart
-Maria

IT'S OK TO BE AFRAID
its ok to be afraid
so was i
its ok to shed a tear
so did i
its ok to tell someone
so did i
its ok to be alone
so am i
its ok to be confused
so was i
its ok to be loved
so am I
-Kayla

"On Tuesday the 11th I was so sad. Our principal came on the speaker and told our teachers to keep the TV off. We were all wondering what was going on so our teachers told us and I almost broke into tears. It was so sad. But we are still a strong country."
-Savana

"I wish that we had peace in the world. I understand you are scared and so am I. I never even thought about having a war at this time, if I was around. I'm afraid about what's going to happen."
-Will

STOP!
To see a smile on a child's face.
STOP!
for the shelters of people in need.
STOP!
for the people that have been hurt.
STOP!
to see someone eat who's in need!
STOP!
to see a world united together with peace.
stop,
to sooth the tears off my face.
-Stefani

"At my school on September 11th the principal came on the intercom and said, 'A terrible tragedy has happened in New York.' I am terrified of what happened and I am SO MAD AT THE ATTACKERS!!!!"
-David

"I think it is okay to be scared about September 11th because who knows what's gonna happen next?"
-Chany

"My uncle works in the twin towers. That day he was not there, thank God. His brother had died of cancer so he had to go to his funeral that day. I pray for all the workers."
-Gabrielle

"On September 11, 2001, more then 5,000 angels were added to the heavenly home in the sky."
-Taylor

"I think that we should build a monument in honor of the Americans that have lost their lives. I also think that everyone in America should not be negative to ALL the Arabs in this country. Because it's not really nice! And also I have a teacher that is from Afghanistan and a lot of kids make fun of her and then she gets really sad."
-Sunball

"I'm horrified of what happened."
-StephD

"I pray that God blesses those who are trying to hurt their own brothers and sisters because we are all in this together. We make a beautiful bouquet together, and the last thing we need towards each other is hatred and racism, because it's just going to be a waste of time and will hurt worse than ever. I just had a Culture Day Event for my community to show my love."
-Ptlac

"When I first found out about the Sept 11th tragedy I was in Spanish class. At first I didn't think anything about it because my Spanish teacher had us do a fun activity to keep our minds off of it. Third period came which was math. My math teacher didn't teach a lesson, give a quiz or even check our homework. I live three hours away from New York City and we spent the whole period (80 minutes) talking about it. My math teacher was almost in tears because he knew a few people that worked in the WTC's. And for the last half-hour of class we spent listening and I was almost in tears. So was the rest of class and I have some really popular people and wrestlers and football players and these people you would never expect to cry. Finally lunch came and the cafeteria and the halls were so quiet you could hear a pin drop. No one went out for lunch or went outside for the rest of the week. Half the school wasn't even went to school for the next week and a half. No one talked much. There were no fights over boyfriends or over who said what. School was and still is different. I'm supposed to go to Texas for Thanksgiving and I'm not sure I want to go."
-Vicki

"If the tragedy had not happened in the morning my uncle would have died. He was supposed to have lunch in the World Trade Center! I pray that no other countries get into this or it might start a world war."
-EOZOOGRL

"I was on my way to school on September 11 just like any normal day. We where listening to the radio when I heard what had happen. I feel sad for people that lost love ones and I hope u feel the same way! To stay the LAND of the FREE we have to be the HOME of the BRAVE! GOD BLESS THE U.S!"
-Tommy

"This awful tragedy has ruined many lives and should never have happened. Although this was the worst thing that ever happened to our country, it has united us in many ways. Many people have left us. The American flag is a simple symbol to our fallen friends. Everyone that died in the September 11 attacks did not deserve this and the people that did this better be punished! God has blessed America!!!"
-Sheridan

"What happened on September 11 is terrible!!! To just think of all the families that won't be able to celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving and other special moments with their mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa. I really think the fire fighters are heroes."
- Jessica

"My friend's nanny works in one of the World Trade Centers. She was sick on September 11, 2001. I'm glad she wasn't in the World Trade Center that day."
- Heathe4494

"They will pay for what they did, no matter how hard they try to fight back. And even though they killed innocent lives and destroyed much of New York City, that still won't bring us down or conquer us."
- Minibubba

"As I am writing this, I am in tears. I pray for all the people who are reading this. I hope we find a more peaceful way of living. God bless everyone!"
- Angela

"United we stand and divided we fall,
Let America bring freedom to all;
All Americans filled with U.S.A. pride,
Remember that God is still by our side."
- Annybell (This poem is dedicated to all who died in the towers.)

"My Dad is a firefighter and all I can think about is what would happen if he was in The Building. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES."
- Haley

TALK
Talking helps the soul heal
wounds that lie naked to the world.
In another's eyes, I am a strong individual
who can take any evil deed, and face it with my chin-high.
But today, as we speak, I break down, and cry.
And even now, as I type this y, tears fall to the ground.
I live all the way around the nation, in little didda small town.
Murrieta, is the name.
Here, even, people mourn.
Talk.
Talk with your friends.
Talk with your children.
Talk with your neighbors, with friends.
With anyone.
Talking helps the soul heal
wounds that lie naked to the world.
-Senorita Zorra

"My thoughts and prayers are with the people who died and the families that lost someone they loved deeply. This affected my family because my mom is in the travel industry and no one wants to fly. Also half of my family lives in Manhattan. My uncle is a firefighter, luckily here is still here today. But he lost a lot of friends. My one question is why America?"
- Tigger

I am proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the ones who died
Who gave that right to me...
My country 'tis of thee
Sweet land of liberty
Of thee I sing
Some of us have come here
From countries far away
Looking for a life of liberty
And though we all are different
Our lives are intertwined
In a beautiful and wondrous tapestry.
GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.!!!
- SenorZorro

THE FLAG AND USA
FLAG:
Red is for love that brings us together,
White is for freedom that we have, and
Blue is for peace that we want and have.
Red, White, and blue is my flag and my home, I love the USA, I love my home.
And nothing will stop me from having love, freedom, and peace.
Not one, not two, one hundred people will stop me from having love, freedom, and peace.
If we try and try and try we will live a better life.
USA:
"U" stands for United,
"S" stands for Stars,
"A" Stands for America,
United we stand United we fall,
Stars are the Stars of America, and
America where we live.
God bless all the firefighters, the people that died, and everyone in the USA.

- Jaime

"I just want to say that this is a national tragedy and it will be hard for everyone to get through this time of fear and peril, and many people, as I have seen, refuse to face the fact that this can not get in the way of life itself. But can't they see? That is what the terrorist wanted. They wanted us to be thrown into disarray. Just today, @ my school during lunch my friends and I talked. We shared emotions and feelings, and I know that if everyone would take the time to talk, then we most doubtlessly will get through this. WE WILL COME OUT STRONGER THAN WE WERE BEFORE! God Bless America!"
- Lila

"I feel sorry for all of the people who were injured and are dead. I wish all the people in the world were friends. God bless everyone."
- La'Tricia

"Dear Lord, I pray for those who died or who had loved ones die in the September 11 tragedy. I pray for the rescue workers, little kids, and even the grown-ups. I pray for all those who did this and I pray that America won't kill the innocent in Afghanistan like they did to us. I pray that President Bush will make the right decision and most of all I pray for America so we will stand strong and UNITED in every way. AMEN."
- Kellie

"I pray a lot for all the people in the attack who died and all the families who knew some of the people who died. I set up a car wash to donate money to the Red Cross. We got 5000 dollars and donated it so if you want to help, you can too."
-Tom

"I think this a bad thing because innocent people died and will die in the war. I'm afraid of nuclear or bio warfare. I think that I might die by the chemicals but I know God will protect me and the country. I hope they won't do that because no matter who dies it is a bad thing but I believe the President is the best and will do everything in his power to protect us. And the military will stand strong and will not be defeated. The spirit of America is the best in the world."
- Doug

"I just want to say that I think God has this under control and is with President Bush as he tries to figure out what to do. If I could tell Bush anything I wanted it would be this:
Dear President, I would like you to know that God did this for a special purpose we may not know the reason though. He will be with you always as he is with you now. Know that he is your guide and that he is always in your heart. God Bless America and it's People!!"
- Kim

"I am 8 years old and I go to elementary school and I am very sad about what happened. I was asleep when it happened. I am sorry for those who lost loved ones."
- Nicole

"What happened on September 11 was horrible. I found out before I left for school in the morning. The worst part is my brother-in-law is probably already out there doing what he can. I don't want to seem selfish but I want him back home and safe."
- Sam

"I am so sorry for all of those people who died. I don't think America should be mad at all Muslims. I don't think America should bomb Afghanistan because it is a poor country."
-Aida

"I was really, really scared and I am still a little bit scared. Then I think about all of the people that lost their lives and I think about all of the people who lost their family members. I wonder why anyone would want to do this and I wish that there was an answer to all of my questions. I mean like why do we have to go to war? Why do we have to fight?
- Kaitlyn

"I pray for all the kids that their Mom or Dad or even both didn't come home to them on the 11th. God bless America."
- Elizabeth

"I feel really sorry for the kids who lost their parents or grandparents."
-CiaraPoll

" I am scared right now for all the people who had families. Call your family and give them the best wishes ever. I wish that we had no enemies and had no wars and that the world would be peaceful."
-Debbie

"I believe that we should all have positive thoughts. Maybe something good came out of this. I just want everybody to know that I am praying for them."
-Brittney

"I am so scared. I know it's been a few weeks but I'm still scared. I hope President Bush doesn't send in planes to do to the innocent people in Afghanistan what Taliban did to us."
-Elizabeth

"On September 11th when the terrorist attacks started, I was fast asleep in bed. I woke to hear of the tragedy that had struck America during the night. Even though we are half way around the world we could feel the pain, anger and disbelief that the American people felt. Each night I pray for the people in America. I pray that the family and friends of those people will find their loved ones. We all just can't believe what happened and when the terrorists are found, Australia is totally backing up America, whatever they choose to do to them. And finally I'd like to say, that America is strong and unstopable, and THEIR PRIDE AND THEIR HEARTS CANNOT BE DESTROYED, EVER!!!"
-Samantha

"My friend's dad was in the Pentagon and got badly hurt. I wish it was me not him. He can't drive now. My friend's mom has to bring her to school and take her home. She is so sad because she liked her dad bringing her to school and taking her home."
gigglegirlInTN

"What happened on September 11th was really dreadful. It was like a nightmare. I live in Florida, far away from New York, but even though, it was terrible to see people running for their lives. All of them so frightened, screaming . . . I hope Mr. Bush will bring this to justice."
-Marta

"Our forefathers devised the Declaration of Independence. If you read the whole thing you will discover the people that signed it pledged their wealth, life, and scared honor. If you read the history of many of the signers you'll find many lost one, two or all three. It is our duty to protect this document, honor it, and pass it on intact to our children and to their children. The most important way to do this is to invest some time in our government, and always VOTE. That is the very least that we can do."
-Ruth

"I was on a chat last night with a girl who lost her Dad on September 11th. I'm so sorry. What I would like to say is that whatever happens, anyone who dies is still with you."
-Elaine

"I was sad that this happened. Freedom is joy and love for one another. People who have anger in their eyes and soul cannot DESTROY AMERICA'S PRIDE."
-Shanks

"I pray each night that our savior helps those in trouble because my mommie says pray for those who are your enemy. I also pray more for those who lost their family and friends. They need it. May god bless our country and Mr. Bush."
-Emily

"When I had heard what had happened I got really scared all of a sudden, because everyone was saying that we were going to die! I don't want to die at the age of 13, because there are still goals that I want to achieve in life! I just can't face God at my age, because I think that it would be too scary for me! I prayed so hard that night of this tragedy that God would keep our family safe and that we would not die! My family and I stayed up until around midnight just talking about what had happened, yeah I did get real scared and I started to cry because I really didn't know what was going to happen the next day at school! I really did not want to go because I thought it would be the last day of my life! Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts! "
-Maggie

"I felt very sorry for every body who died, especially if someone knew them. I can't believe what the terries did, even if they were mad that we could speak in freedom. I knew someone who had a birthday on September 11. She kept on saying this is a wonderful birthday present--NOT! I had no clue what she was talking about because I didn't realize what happened. Then she told me. That's how I heard about what happened."
-Cathy

"I think what happened in New York is a terrible tragedy. I wish I could do more to help them. Right now I am helping them by raising money for them. My mom is also donating blood to the Red Cross. I wish they hadn't had done what the hijackers did, but they did it."
-Katherine

"After what happened on September eleventh, I don't know if my life would be the same. So here's something for President Bush: when you finally catch the leaders of the terrorist attack, don't give them justice. Let them beg and plead for mercy, but don't give it to them."
-Daniella

I live a little bit away from New York. I'm 14. We all need to reflect on what just happened. I pray every night that my life won't end the same way it did for the people in the planes and buildings. Ever since Tuesday my way of dealing with life has changed. I don't have any more enemies but only friends. I hope you pray and let God lead us though this the best way possible! Just to say God "help us and guide us with strength and courage!!!!"
Brittany 14 OH

I was upset because my school was not showing any patriotism, not even one flag inside. I was told that patriotism wasn't about 100 flags but one good heart--mine! That helped.
--Lauren

HELP
I'm just a kid.
How can I help?
I'm not allowed to boil water or go downtown.
How can I help?
I'm not supposed to argue or fight.
How can I help?
I can't drive a truck or fix a broken arm.
How can I help?
Mom says just to hug her tight. That seems to help.
--Lindsey

Why would people take their own lives just to hurt the people in our country?
--Karategirl9

I fell asleep in my Dad's arms that night. The next morning I went to tell him thanks, that it helped me feel better. But before I could, he said "thanks, that made me feel better."
--Melissa989zap