Dressed in red, white and blue, the elementary students proudly showed their patriotism as they commemorated 9/11. The students gathered for a special assembly to mark the day. After singing the Star Spangled Banner, they read “This Very Tree” by Sean Rubin. This story about a pear tree that was hurt on 9/11 teaches children in an appropriate way about resilience and regrowth. The theme for the year is “Eitz Chayim Hi LaMachazikim Bah.” Just as the Callery pear tree symbolized the American national recovery after a tragedy, the Tree of Life symbolizes the Jewish People’s strength as a nation. As a school, BPY will be planting 50 trees in national forests across the United States to symbolize its part in the country’s healing and to honor and remember those who were at the Twin Towers or who volunteered there after 9/11. After the assembly, each class chose a national park where five trees will be planted in someone’s honor or memory. Thank you to everyone who shared the names of their special family members who deserve to be honored. A special thank you to A Living Tribute, the organization helping with the reforestation project.
