Look for the Helpers!
September 11th marks one of the darkest days in American history. On this day in 2001, some people who did not like what Americans believed in did some harmful things and attacked important places in the United States, using airplanes as weapons. Over 3,000 people were killed and many more were injured.
After the attacks, firefighters, police officers, doctors, and many other helpers worked very hard to rescue people and keep others safe. People from all over the United States and many countries around the world showed kindness and support. They helped families, donated money, and came together to care for one another.
Canada was extremely helpful to the United States. Soon after the attacks began, all air traffic into the United States was stopped. That meant no planes could take off or land. This lasted for two full days. The Canadian government implemented an emergency response that safely diverted over 200 airplanes away from U.S. airspace and grounded them at Canadian airports.
The small town of Gander, Newfoundland’s historic airport featured an oversized, extra-long runway and massive tarmac space originally built for mid-century transatlantic refueling stops, allowing it to accommodate dozens of larger airplanes. Several international flights that were heading for the U.S. had to land at this airport.
Gander’s population is only 10,000 people, and with all these flights landing here it added almost 7,000 people to the town. Residents of Gander and neighboring towns opened their homes, schools, churches, and community centers to feed, clothe, and shelter the stranded travelers for several days. Travelers who ended up here could not believe that these strangers opened their private homes, refused payment, and provided endless comfort, leading many passengers to cry tears of relief and some even formed lifelong friendships.
Several other countries around the world, including Ireland, offered use of airports for landing and refueling during the days following the attacks. Ireland also held a National Day of Mourning on September 12, 2001.
We remember 9/11 to honor the people who died, thank the heroes who helped, and learn the importance of helping others in difficult times.
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Taco Snack Mix
Try this for a new twist to your snack mix!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice Chex® Cereal
- 2 cups Wheat Chex® Cereal
- 2 cups bite-size crackers such as Goldfish®
- 2 cups corn chips
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 package McCormick® Original Taco Seasoning Mix
Directions
- Mix cereals, cheese crackers, and corn chips in a large microwavable bowl. Set aside.
- Microwave butter in a small microwavable bowl on HIGH for 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in Seasoning Mix. Pour over the cereal mixture; toss to coat evenly.
- Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH for 5 to 6 minutes or until cereal is crisp, stirring every 2 minutes.
- Spread snack mix on a foil-lined baking sheet. Let stand until cooled to room temperature. Store in an airtight container.
Literature Corner
Save Me a Seat
By Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
Ravi is the new kid at school who just arrived in America from India and isn’t quite sure where he fits in. Joe has lived in the same town all his life but is dealing with a new reality now that his best friend just moved away. Joe and Ravi might be from very different places, but they’re both stuck in the same school, and now share the same common enemy – the class bully.
For ages 8-11, 256 pages.
When a Friend Needs a Friend
By Roozeboos
Aya and Oskar love to go on big adventures, build amazing creations, and make up stories together. But when Oskar gets sad, his feelings grow so big he doesn’t want to play. And that leaves Aya feeling hurt and confused. How can she help when she doesn’t know what Oskar needs? With candor and compassion, this heartfelt story shows that big feelings are a normal part of life ― something to be felt rather than fixed ― and models how to be an ally when someone you love is hurting.
For ages 4-8, 32 pages.
Lardie’s Laughs
Q. What time would it be if Godzilla came to school?
A. Time to run!
Q. Why is 2 + 2 = 5 like your left foot?
A. It’s not right!
Gab in Gaelic
Where is your lunch box? = Cá bhfuil do Bhosca Lóin? (pronounced: kaw will duh buska loan)
