Remembrance and Hope at Rush

Janet Tumelty, our moms columnist, provided this account of a special 9/11 tribute at Rush School Monday. Read her most recent column

Ten butterflies were symbolically released Monday morning at , one butterfly for each year that has passed since Sept. 11, 2001.

Deb Banecker, the new principal at Rush, spoke briefly about her memories of that day. A moment of silence was shared in honor of those who lost their lives, their families and all who serve our country.

The Perennial Garden was the setting for this remembrance ceremony. An American Redbud Tree graces the space with its heart-shaped leaves and the Flag of Honor was on display, with the names of each victim inscribed on it.

Mrs. Garbett, supervising teacher, explained the history of the garden to students and faculty. The garden was planted 10 years ago when two teachers, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Fest, took up a penny collection,"Pennies for Peace," to fund the project. The two teachers have since retired but the garden has grown and remains a place of hope, remembrance and beauty.

On this beautiful fall morning, the butterflies were set free one at a time by Mrs. Bronecke's Butterfly Club as 10 statements from Chicken Soup for the American Soul were read.

1. I am an American, I am strong, I will endure.
2. I am an American, I have a voice, I will freely speak.
3. I am an American, I have faith and hope, I will not give up.
4. I am an American, I believe in justice.
5. I am an American, I will not be weakened by cowardly acts.
6. I am an American, I will not sit back and do nothing, when I can do something.
7. I am an American, I will extend my helping hand to those in need.
8. I am an American, I am grateful for those who fight for my freedom.
9. I am an American, I am proud, the colors red, white, and blue flow through my veins.
10. We are Americans, we will stand united for freedom.

American pride, hope and remembrance floated through the air as the butterflies mingled with the crowd reminding all of what it means to be American.

Adults will never forget but the students are all too young to remember what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. Some were not even born, but they stood there united for freedom, as proof that hope and love prevail even in times of complete uncertainty. 

Special thanks to Joyce Korn, Librarian at Rush, for sharing her pictures.