September 10: May We Never Forget

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."
- Abraham Lincoln

WRITER'S NOTEBOOK: To mark the anniversary of the bombing of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001, President Bush proclaimed that September 11 be named Patriot Day. On this day, the proclamation asks that flags be flown at half-mast and that the day be marked by ceremonies, candlelight vigils, and other remembrance services.

President Obama has also declared September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Please go here to learn more that this.

Even though this day marks the anniversary of a huge disaster, it is called Patriot Day. How does this label change our perceptions about the events of September 11, 2001? Think of the various meanings of the word “patriot.” Is it possible to be a patriot and still disagree with certain aspects of the government? What is the best way to voice criticism of the government?

May we also commemorate this day with poetry? Please read the following poems:

We're Still Standing
© Hannah Schoechert

Those twin towers
Standing tall with pride,
Fell with grieving hearts.
Stunned, America cried.

But we're still standing.

Bin Laden tried
To crush our land,
But we stood our ground
With our flag in hand

And we're still standing.

Red for the valor
And the blood that fell.
White for the purity
Our heroes tell.
Blue for the justice
That will be done,
Proving once more
These colors don't run

And we're still standing.

By Hannah Schoechert
A 7th grade student

To The Foolish American

© By Alyssa Marquardt

It kills me to hear you say
That war is just a foolish game
That men and women dare to play
Well I'd like to see you last one day
You obviously don't see the pain
Or the freedom that we Americans gain.
From those brave ones across the sea
The ones that mean so much to me
The ones who give you the right
To stand right there and hold that sign
You'll never see the world as a soldier does.
You'll never see that hate or feel that love.
You worry about work and school
They worry about destructive tools.
They worry about saving and taking lives.
And the freedom of their kids and wives.
We can't appreciate our whole ton.
But they are happy with the last little one.
So before you stand back and point you finger,
Listen to these words I give
And appreciate the life you live.

(Poem accessed at Poetry America.)

Who is the speaker? What is his/her perspective? What are your thoughts on these poem?

Definition of anaphora: Repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses. Can you find the anaphora the poet used in the previous poem? Why do authors choose to use such figurative devices?

TODAY'S MENU:

Tech Time: Have you created all your accounts? Completed the form and hit submit?

Grammar Time!

1. Please punctuate this poem.
2. Unscrambling...another sentence!
   

Now let's post to your blog!

• Choose a topic.
• Draft your post.
• Proofread! Then proofread again! Might consider having someone else proofread!
• Run spell check.
• Post to your blog.
• Read your post again...make any necessary revisions...again!

Ready to write your book review? Open up the Book Review Rubric here.

Ducks Galore: Introduce me to you duck! Click here and find the guidelines and handouts for this project.

Homework:

1. Complete your out-of-class read!
2. Finalize and post your first blog post.
   
3. Draft your introduction of your duck.