Classroom Commemoration for September 11, 2003

Remind students that this is the second anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Explain that on that day terrorists hijacked four airliners; two crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, causing its twin towers to collapse; a third airliner crashed into the Pentagon in Washington; and a fourth, bound for a target in Washington, crashed in Pennsylvania before it reached its target. The attacks killed more than 3,000 people. Ask students to hold a moment of silence in memory of the victims.

Hold a discussion about the terrorist attacks by asking students:

• What do you remember about September 11, 2001? How did you feel? How do you feel today?
  
  
• How has the United States responded to the threat of terrorism?

  (Students might mention the following: the invasion of Afghanistan, tightened security at airports and other security measures, USA Patriot Act, the invasion of Iraq.)

• Do you think the September 11 terrorist attacks changed life in America? Explain.
  
  
• How did the events affect your life?
  
  
• Do you think America is safer today than a year ago? Why or why not? Do you feel safer?
  
  
• What do you think the United States should do in response to terrorism?
  
  
• What can you do as an individual or in a group in your community to improve our society and to strengthen American democracy?