print-friendly version	MIDDLE SCHOOL, WINTER 2003, LOS ANGELES

Americans Pause to Remember, Students Make a Wish for the United States

			"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." Thomas Paine, from The American Crisis, December 1776
			Andrew Bodak standing at the Wishing Tree

One year after the tragedy of September 11,2001, Americans have paused to remember and reflect. The Wall of Expression that surrounds the Old Patent Office Building in Washington, D.C., still stands as a memorial to those who sacrificed, a tribute to those who served, and an expression of hope for the future. And across the country at the Las Vegas Art Museum, students place their wishes for America on the "Wish Tree." "I wish that everyone would be happy." "I wish that the Twin Towers would never have fallen." "I wish there would be no poor people and everyone would have enough to eat." "I wish everyone in the world would be free like us." "I wish that no one would be dead." "I wish Americans would feel safe." The wishes keep coming. And from even the youngest participants, we sense a deep concern for the nation and its people. Perhaps we have all begun to care for one another.

Dedicated to those who sacrificed and served on September 11, 2001, and the weeks following, the Wall of Expression surrounds the Old Patent Office Building at 8th and F Streets, NW, in Washington, D.C. The building, home of the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, is currently under-going extensive renovation while its collections tour the world.