The anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was an uplifting experience for most area students as schools held ceremonies and other special events to commemorate the day.

At Trinity Lutheran School, students released more than 200 red, white and blue balloons with Sept. 11-inspired prayers written on attached index cards .

"The balloons symbolize how we send our prayers up to God," said eighth-grader Karrie Moll.

Moll's prayer thanked God for making the United States a strong country and asked for an end to terrorism.

Ten-year-old Rhett Obermann chose to include John 3:16 on his prayer card.

"If somebody who doesn't know God finds this balloon, it might make them believe in Him," Obermann said.

Students too young to write chose to draw colorful pictures of rainbows, hearts and crosses on their cards. Others offered simple sentiments like "God is with you always," and "I trust in the Lord."

Eighth-grader Katie Mothershead said while writing her prayer she thought about the victims of the terrorist attacks.

"I remember feeling so sad watching the towers fall, and thinking of all the victims and the families who lost loved ones," said Mothershead.

"But even from the terrorist attacks, something good has come. We united as a country and people began building their faith again," she said.

Official thanks

After the balloon release, students lined up to shake hands and offer a word of thanks to local police and firemen attending the event.

"All of the students loved it and were enthusiastic," said Vicki Zickfield, school board president. "They all remember the 9-11 victims and their families in their prayers."

At Notre Dame High School, students held hands, prayed and sang "Don't Be Afraid" during a morning ceremony attended by students, some members of the public and Major Jay Knudtson.

A grotto was unveiled outside the school featuring a statue of St. Joseph, the Worker, who was standing at a base of flags, including one below a red, white and blue ribbon that read simply: "Sept. 11, 2001."

The statue was standing above a plaque that read: "In loving memory of all who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001."

Principal Bro. David Migliorino said it was appropriate that the statue was of St. Joseph the Worker.

"Everyone who was in the World Trade Center worked for someone," Migliorino said.

He said St. Joseph was also a rescue hero, rescuing Mary who was about to be stoned for having a child out of wedlock. Migliorino also said St. Joseph saved the baby Jesus, protecting him from King Herod.

Each class presented a wreath that was placed around the grotto. Knudtson and the Rev. David Coon of St. Joseph's Parish in Scott City, Mo., blessed the shrine.

Bro. David told the students he was proud of them.

"I told you last year on this day how proud I was of you," he said. "But this day is second to none."

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137

cchitwood@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128