09/09/03

    Two years ago on September 11, innocent men, women and children lost their lives in a horrific attack on American soil. The attack touched the hearts of millions throughout the world, and for those who experienced a personal loss, life will never be the same. On September 11, we remember each life and once again renew our commitment to win the war on terrorism.

     During 2002 remembrances, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) collaborated with the Pentagon to have three American flags (one for DoD American schools abroad in the Pacific and Europe, and one for DoD domestic schools in the United States) fly over the Pentagon in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11. In subsequent weeks, one of the flags was sent to DoDDS Pacific for a continuation of the remembrance of 9/11. During School Year 2002-2003, the American flag in DoDDS Pacific was circulated throughout the region and raised in all 43 schools in honor of the fallen.

     In the spring of 2002, the American flag was returned to DoDDS Pacific. In remembrance of the second anniversary of 9/11, the flag has been encased in a shadow box and a plaque has been engraved with the names of each of 43 schools that raised the flag in honor of those who lost their lives in this tragic event. The flag and plaque are displayed at DoDDS Pacific Headquarters on Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan.

     This year on 9/11, many of our schools will again remember the tragic events of two years ago by participating in special ceremonies. Darby Elementary School in Sasebo, Japan, will begin its Open House with a flag-raising, Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic songs, and an address from a student council member. In Korea, Pusan Elementary/High School will have an outdoor ceremony involving a guest speaker and a performance by the JROTC Saber Team. Kadena High School in Okinawa, Japan, will be holding a one-hour choral music program, open to the public, entitled “In Remembrance….” The activities, in honor of those who are supporting the ongoing fight against terrorism around the world, will be marked with singing, patriotic readings, presenting of the colors by the JROTC Honor Guard, and a chaplain’s address titled “Never forget to remember.”

     The tragedy of September 11, 2001, compelled our nation to take action against terrorist attacks around the world. Our American military forces are working at home and abroad to protect and defend innocent lives and American freedom. This is a good time to reflect on and be thankful for the valuable mission of the military members, whose children we serve. As President Bush stated of 9/11 in his January 2002 State of the Union address: “We were reminded that we are citizens, with obligations to each other, to our country and to history. We began to think less of the goods we can accumulate, and more about the good we can do.”

     I encourage everyone in DoDDS Pacific to take a moment to reflect on how we can make a difference by working together to strengthen our communities, assist our neighbors, support our children and contribute to our nation.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific