By Lori Ehde
In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on East Coast, communities nationwide have responded in their own ways with acts of patriotism.
In Rock County, as in all parts of the country, generous individuals have been eager to help with relief efforts.
Boxes are set up at banks and investment offices community-wide to accept donations to be sent to the East Coast. Checks are made payable to the Red Cross Relief Fund for America.
According to Stephanie Moran, director of the Southwest Minnesota Chapter of the Red Cross, this isn't something these businesses were asked to do.
"They're just doing it on their own, so we can't say all banks are doing it," she said.
Moran said 100 percent of donated funds are sent directly to the East Coast for meal and clothing vouchers and to fund emergency shelters. At this time, she said no items are being accepted.
"They are so bombarded with donated items, they have too many to go through now," she said. "They mainly need money to continue their relief efforts."
She said she's not sure how long the local depositories will be available, possibly a few weeks, but she said residents can also send checks directly to the local office.
That address is: American Red Cross, 321 11th St., Worthington, MN 56156.
She advised people to give only through their local institutions or directly to the office to avoid giving to scam artists.
Football fans attending Adrian's homecoming game will also have an opportunity to drop money in a box at the gates. The game starts at 7 p.m.
Moment of silence
Local churches joined others across the nation Friday at noon in a national moment of prayer. Residents were encouraged to pray for comfort for the families of those who died and for recovery and healing for those injured.
They were also encouraged to pray for wisdom for national leaders, economic recovery and stability, for good to overcome evil, peace to replace fear and for love to overcome hate.
At the American Reformed Church, worshippers read aloud the words from Psalm 46.
"God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear," part of the passage reads.
"The nations are in uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."
Red, white and blue
As a mark of respect for those killed on Sept. 11, President George W. Bush ordered flags at all public buildings be flown at half-staff until sunset Saturday, Sept. 22.
In addition, the national commander of the American Legion urges all Americans to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff.
"As in times past, the presence of Old Glory at half-staff will remind all that we are citizens of a great nation in mourning," said Richard Santos on the American Legion Web site.
"Those citizens who died are members of the American family. All America grieves that loss."
In a demonstration of solidarity, residents and businesses nationwide are proclaiming their support for national efforts.
For example, "Pray for the nation," is the message typed into the lighted sign at Country Kitchen on South Highway 75.
"I guess we just thought it would be the appropriate thing to do," Raney Israelson said.
What do we tell the children?
In Luverne Elementary School, counselor Marie Atkinson Smeins canceled all her regular classes Tuesday and spent time in each classroom talking to students about the terrorist attack.
"I talked to the children about how sometimes people don't get along with each other and this sometimes causes violence," Atkinson-Smeins said.
She went on to encourage students to talk about it with their parents and teachers, and she assured them everything was being done to keep everyone in the rest of the country safe.
Elementary Principal Melody Tenhoff said she felt Tuesday's events robbed a piece of childhood from the children.
"Tuesday's events can be described in words that all children can understand: evil, hatred and violence," Tenhoff said.
"Students can help by living their life with honesty, respect and kindness."
For adults struggling with individual response to the attacks, the Red Cross issued the following tips for those feeling overwhelmed by emotions:
Avoid viewing repeated media coverage of the event.
Talk it out, ask for help and listen to other people.
Be especially kind to others, and do something that could help others, like make an appointment to give blood.
Spend time with your family and return to your usual routine.
Find a peaceful, quiet place to reflect and gain perspective.