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Amanda Lanzillo, 11
Erie, Pennsylvania
Amanda Lanzillo, 11
Erie, Pennsylvania
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I have learned that all people have certain events etched in their memories. Depending on their age, it may be the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President Kennedy or the Challenger disaster. For me and other students at Westlake Middle School, it is last week's terrorist attack on New York and Washington, D.C.
A National Tragedy
News of the disaster came to me in bits and pieces, beginning with an announcement from my school principal, Mr. Kaverman. He came on the intercom and told us that a “national tragedy” had occurred and that he would let us know more later. However, there were no more announcements about what had happened. When I asked my teacher what had happened, she told me that she and my other teachers had decided to let parents tell their children exactly what was going on.
I knew something very bad had happened. Some parents came to pick up their children from school, and all afterschool activities were cancelled. I learned more after I got off my bus and started walking home. Some of my friends from other classes had been told more by their teachers. They told me that a bunch of planes had been hijacked by terrorists who had flown them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. I wanted to know the details, so I rushed home to turn on the news. When I turned on the TV, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was so horrible that it didn’t seem real. Over and over they showed the film of the planes crashing and the buildings crumbling. The news reporters said it was a terrorist attack. I kept thinking, “How could anyone hate the United States so much that they would kill so many innocent people?”
Reaching Out
Since Tuesday, my friends and I have not talked much about what happened. Instead, when I spoke with my classmates, most focused on trying to do something to help. Marah Lindenberger said, “I will donate clothing and money to help the people who had lost loved ones.” “I’m going to save my money and donate to the fund drive at my school,” said Nicole Campbell. Danny Mineo said we should donate money to the Red Cross because it can help the people who were hurt.
Marissa Hrbal said she would try to comfort any students who may have known someone touched by the disaster. Many others said they really wanted to help in some way, but did not know what to do. Danny Joseph was optimistic. He said that although what had happened was a terrible tragedy, it seemed to be “bringing our country together.” I agree with all of my classmates. All I would add is that we must remember that we are all Americans and that, as Americans, we are all in this together.
