Wells ISD students and staff commemorated the one-year anniversary of Sept. 11th with a special assembly. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, members of the Student Council and National Honor Society spoke on what America means to them.  Scroll down to read their speeches.

Several of the classes marked the anniversary with patriotic artwork, journal writing and other activities.  Mrs. Milner's 4th grade class displays their patriotic projects.
 

What America Means to Me by Lacey Greenville

What is the strength of America?  Does our nation's strength lie in its military or in the hopes and derams of every American?  I believe the strength of America is its people.  America is a land built on the foundations of tolerance and individuality.  Our nation openly welcomes people of different races, creeds, and religions and asks only that they practice their beliefs free of hatred.  We encourage rugged individuality that is recognized throughout the world as characteristic of Americans. It is the strength of America's people that prevents our multicultural nation from dividing.

America has a long heritage of Christianity dating back to its foundations.  This Christian belief provides the faith and strength our people have depended on to overcome the evils of terrorism.  Today is the one year anniversary of the tragedy of September 11 and I say proudly, the enemy has failed.  The United States remains united and dedicated to the principls of liberty.  Today we stand in awe of the sacrifices of the victims and heroes of 911.  We remain proud of our heritage and our beliefs and we thank our glorious Lord for supporting us and keeping America strong.
 
 

Today you have heard about the heroism of Americans.  You have heard the definiton of what it means to be an American from student leaders, and I challenge you to ponder these same questions.  I challenge you to find out in your own heart what it means to be an American to you.  It's important that we never take for granted our liberty and freedom!  -- Michael Alberts, Social Studies teacher, Wells ISD.
 
 

American Perseverance by Justin Hopper.

Today we dedicate two trees in honor of September 11th.  One tree for memory and one for perseverance. 

Memory - Today we remember the people of New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.  The firefighters, police, and the volunteers who selflessly risked their lives to preserve others.  We also remember the families of the heroic lost in the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Pennsylvania attacks.  We remember and thank the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces who still risk their lives preserving our freedom and way of life.

Perseverance - American history is the story of forward progress.  We have survived many attacks and many wars.  On December 7, 1941, Japan brutally attacked Pearl Harbor, yet America still survived.  In the 1990's the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City Federal Building were bombed, yet America still survived. 

On September 11, 2001, America was once again attacked and America still survives.  This is not a time for sorrow, but a time for pride in America's ability to overcome great obstacles and arise stronger, smarter, and more powerful than ever.
 

Everyday Heroes by Brittany Barbaree

In the past we have viewed heroes as entertainers, military officials, or people who held important political offices.  One of the things September 11th has taught us is that heroes can be everyday, common people.

...you have to have courage and bravery to be a hero.  Many women and men showed us their courage and bravery on the historical day of September 11, when they lost their lives helping others.  These people became our nation's new heroes, and their memory will never be forgotten. 

I issue a challenge to the students of Wells, to live up to the model of the heroes of 9/11.  Find your heroes in the parents and teachers of the community, and live your life as a hero to others.