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Tuesday, September 11, 2001
Adams Elementary School in Spokane

Coming downstairs Tuesday to the television, where I could see buildings falling and my mom crying, instantly made me afraid. What could have happened?

Then I found out the horrible things that happened in New York and Washington, D.C. I just didn't understand why people would do such a thing. It also convinced me that what I was doing in school and at home was important, very important.

Do you remember throwing a rock in a pond? See the ripples it creates? Well, that is what a group of students are doing to create a change in our world -- a world of peace.

I am a fifth-grader at Adams. Back in June I was nominated by my teacher to be on the Student Advisory Council on Peace. We created a logo that says, "We All Make A Difference -- Piece by Peace." The rock represents the students and the ripples are the change we hope to create.

Back then, I didn't think it would be that important. Waking up Tuesday, it made me realize that I can make a difference because I am the future. And my voice counts.

I don't like what happened Tuesday. I don't want it to happen again. I'm afraid for it to happen again, which is why I will plan to get my friends to join me in participating in the worldwide International Day of Peace next Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Each school will be having individual events and asking students to commit to peace by signing a banner. We will also be doing stuff during the year on peace. You don't have to be in school to commit to peace. Even though we are doing this for kids, adults can do it too and be role models to us.

Don't wait. Do it now. I depend on you.

Peace is not the absence of war, but th presence of justice.
African adage

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