Proud of Our Schools & Our Town

It's often said, we only remember moments in time, but I think I will long remember everything about September 11, 2001.

From seeing the destruction caused by the first plane, watching the impact of the second plane, then hearing about the Pentagon. In an age of cell phones and CNN, the news was instantaneous and everywhere you went.

As a long time Cherry Hill resident and school board member, I was proud of how our schools and town handled news of the tragic events.

In our high schools and middle schools, students were updated throughout the day with news reports. Teachers and administrators gave students an opportunity to talk about the events as desired.

Township police were highly visible showing their presence at each school building, and any place of gathering, to convey a safe, secure feeling to our students and citizens.

In our elementary schools the explanations were kept simple. Teachers focused on allaying fears with an emphasis that "we have a very strong country".

I was touched by the many adults and students who rushed to donate blood. My friends in blood banks told me they couldn't keep up with the donations, one of the few bright spots that day.

One school ended their day with the music teacher singing "God bless America" over the intercom. All evening events were canceled as Cherry Hill sat in shock and anger – and began to mourn with the nation.

In the days that followed, the hospital where I work collected donations of water, gatorade, and other non-perishable items, then transported the items to ground zero.

Each school in Cherry Hill began collecting monetary donations for victims of the attack, with the donations being channeled to the Red Cross or the United Way.

Moments of silence preceded school days and town meetings. Neighbors hung flags.

Students and adults alike wore red, white, and blue in support of liberty and freedom.

Candle vigils were everywhere as we quietly shed tears for the victims and struggled to balance ideals of justice and tolerance.

America is defining a new war, as President Bush says, a "sustained war", we will protect and defend what we cherish. Thomas Paine said it well when he stated, "those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must undergo the fatigue of supporting it."

As a mom of a 16 year old and 18 year old boy, my greatest fear is losing my sons to war. A parent's instinct is always to protect your child. How I wish I could protect them now and take their place.

Proud to be an American, Pat Koper

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Author: Pat Koper, Parent & President, C H Board of Ed. - Cherry Hill Connection