America at war. (President's Message).

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

This article has changed focus several times in the past few days. "America is at war" is a phrase I have heard over and over since September 11, 2001, a day that will go down in history as one that changed our world.

I have been stirred by the show of faith and patriotism that has emerged throughout the United States. I have been proud to see the leadership demonstrated by the President, his administration, the mayor of New York City, and the governor of the state of New York. I have been proud of the reactions of the many citizens who stepped up to assist in any way they could. I have been pleased to see the show of support from countries throughout the world as the battle against terrorism is undertaken.

No one in the United States knows how this new chapter in the country's history will affect its citizens or how long it will last. But we do know that as it unfolds, the children in our care will have questions and fears--some spoken and some left unsaid. We must be alert to these questions and fears, and take the time to answer the questions and allay the fears. We must be ready to help parents who are unsure of what to say to their children or how to say it. We don't have all the answers, and we may never know everything there is to know about the terrorists or their despicable acts, but we must try to help the children through this time as they learn that their world also will never be the same.

The events of this fall have taken me back to a time many years ago when, as a preschooler, I watched my mother and my aunt say goodbye to my two cousins as they left for service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. I didn't really understand why my mother and my aunt were crying, but I knew that something was happening that was frightening and sad for them. I am sure that they tried to reassure me, yet their fear and sadness was so strong that I was deeply affected by it. We will have children facing these same feelings as our men and women are called into service to fight this strange new type of war. We can only try to help the children understand.

I am also concerned about the possible backlash against persons of different origins and religions. I am reminded that several of ACEI's publications, including Common Bonds and Educators Healing Racism, can help teachers and parents work to prevent prejudice and stereotyping and build understanding in our schools. These publications are excellent resources to help us through difficult times. We need the understanding and collaboration of all groups of people in the United States and throughout the world to win this battle. Even though the attack took place on U.S. soil, the war is worldwide and will take greater cooperation and collaboration than ever seen before.

As I close, I pray that your faith, whatever it may be, will see each of you through this difficult time and that the world will emerge as a greater place.

--Nancy L. Quisenberry, President