We know parents and caregivers at home with children are looking for ways to commemorate the 9/11 attacks. Even by staying at home, one can show the next generation a piece of history that is quite recent. Here are a few ways.
- Create your own artwork or write a letter to thank heroes in your own community.
- For younger children, create first responder badges. [1]
- Arrange a virtual visit to a veteran’s center. Perhaps even check ahead of time to see if they have the needs of personal items that you can supply.  [2]
- Serve a meal to your local fire station, police station, to show appreciation.
- Through a local senior center, find a senior who would like a card or a letter to cheer them up.
- Study the basic layout of New York City on a map.
- Watch youtube videos reenacting the event, age-appropriate of course.
- Take time out when the places actually hit, to thank God that you are alive.
- For older students, read a biography or autobiography of one who was there.
- Look at a picture book or magazine with photos and be willing to discuss them.
- Explain the significance of 9/11, the date, why it is preserved.
- Watch webinar speakers here.
- Be available to talk about where you were and what you were doing at the time.
- Fly the flag at half-mast.
These are merely ideas to get one started. The main thought is to ensure our children know history, old history, and recent history. Who was involved, where, when, and why? As a parent, or even a grandparent, who lived through this event, first-hand knowledge can be easier passed on to the younger generation.
Notes:
- ^https://www.911memorial.org/learn/youth-and-families/activities-home (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve/september-11th-national-day-service-and-remembrance/911-day (go back ↩)
