“Now therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.”

“I do ask that the people of the United States and places of worship mark this National Day of Prayer and Remembrance with noontime memorial serviced, the ringing of bells at the hour, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. I encourage employers to permit their workers time off during the lunch hour to attend the noontime services to pray for our land. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in these observances.”

In reverence to this day, the campus pastor, Scott Falk, led the student body in the chapel of prayers.

“When (Principal Gary) Mr. Schultz asked me to led this chapel, I immediately saw the need to have groups of kids praying with one another,” Falk said. “I appreciated the seriousness the kids had; I liked the way the groups worked out. I felt very privileged to pray on such a short notice. Opposed to the public school students and teachers who couldn’t prayer but would have liked to.”

Student leaders and their peers broke off into small groups each praying for victims, survivors, leaders of our country, President Bush, the cities of New York and Washington D.C. and the nation.

“I am glad that we had the opportunity to come together as a high school,” student body president John Wiens, ’02, said. “It’s a privilege to pray for our nation in this time of need.””

Students appreciated the way the campus mourned for the nation.

“Our national anthem has never been played, it was moving,”” Katie Snow, ’03, said. “”It brought tears to my eyes to see it on TV and to see all the families and firefighters working together, it unified our country.”

Students all valued Bush’s decision to put the nation’s activities on hold and mourn for the families affected by this event.

“I thought it was necessary for Bush to declare this national day of prayer,” Collin Tally, ’04, said. “He is a godly man and I respect his decisions and actions. As a country we should all do the same.”

Schools and churches all gathered together around the nation to lift up prayers for those affected by the attack on America.

“It was good because we needed to gather as one nation and pray,” Alison Aubuchon, ’04, said. “Some kids were bitter about canceling the beach trip, but hey, we get to go this Friday. This is a tragic thing that happened to our nation that needs to be dealt with now.”

The Annual Beach Bash was scheduled for Sept. 14, but was canceled in response to President Bush declaring Friday a National Mourn Day. Nevertheless, the Beach Trip is rescheduled for Friday Sept. 21.

“I was saddened by this whole ordeal and angered by the canceled beach trip,” Carina Mouran, ?05, said. “The mourning day I guess was a good thing but we need to move on and remember this tragic happening in our thoughts.”” “” “” “” “” “