Posted on: Friday, October 12, 2001
The September 11th attack
Hawai'i kids join nationwide pledge
By James Gonser
Advertiser Staff Writer
Students from Aliamanu Intermediate and other schools across Hawai'i will add their voices to those of about 52 million other students at 100,000 schools nationwide today as they simultaneously say, "I pledge allegiance to the flag ..."
"Pledge Across America" is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education to show patriotism after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, and every American, not just students, is invited to participate. Times will be coordinated across the country; in Hawai'i, the pledge will be recited at 8 a.m.
"I think it is a really good idea," said Chelsi Diaz, an eighth-grader at Aliamanu. "I'm always going to remember this event until I'm really old. Everything is, like, so negative right now because of the war and what happened. If we do this, it is something positive that I can remember."
U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige said reciting the oath in unison will help students overcome fears and concerns about the attack.
"Together, we can send a loud and powerful message that will be heard around the world," Paige said in a letter to principals. "America is 'one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.' "
Hawai'i schools superintendent Paul LeMahieu sent a message to all pubic school principals Tuesday encouraging them to participate.
"Pledge Across America presents an opportunity to unite with fellow citizens of diverse backgrounds in celebrating the principles and hopes of America," LeMahieu said in his message.
"When I walk down my street I see so many flags now," said Diaz, 13, president of Aliamanu's student government. "Whenever I heard 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before, it was just another song that I had to know about, but now I'm proud to be an American and proud to be part of this country."
Reciting the pledge of allegiance is not required in public schools because of varied religious or personal beliefs, but is a common practice, according to the state Department of Education.
