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Today was a national day of prayer and remembrance for those involved in Tuesday's terrorist attacks.
Local schools observed the day in various ways and some even began raising money for victims and firefighters.
Atwood Elementary students and staff wore red, white and blue. The school bell was to be rung at noon and students may write letters to the firefighters through a program of WNDU Channel 16, South Bend.
Claypool Elementary School observed a moment of silence at 11 a.m. and also wore red, white and blue. Patriotic songs were sung.
At Eisenhower Elementary, students are collecting money for the New York Firefighters Memorial Fund. The fund-raising will last for the next two weeks.
Today was declared red, white and blue day at Harrison Elementary School. The school day started off with special announcements and the kickoff for a penny-pitch that will last for the next week. A moment of silence was observed at 11 a.m.
Jefferson Elementary students were to gather at the flagpole at 3 p.m. wearing red, white and blue ribbons purchased by the PTO. The music teacher was going to lead the school in patriotic songs. Because today is picture day at Jefferson, the school will have its red, white and blue day Monday.
Burket Elementary will have its red, white and blue spirit day Monday also. Today at 11 a.m., the school gathered for a moment of silence, after which patriotic songs were sung.
Along with red, white and blue day, Leesburg Elementary may do a benefit but nothing definite was planned as of press time today.
Class contests for the most red, white and blue clothing were held today at Lincoln Elementary. Other unspecified activities were planned.
Silver Lake students wore their red, white and blue today.
Milford Schools observed a moment of silence at the appointed time and there is discussion of holding a fund-raiser for the American Red Cross.
North Webster fifth-graders want to have a penny pitch. A decision on whether that penny pitch will be held or not was expected by the end of the day. The moment of silence was observed and Ray Charles' "America the Beautiful" was played.
Students at Madison Elementary asked the school to establish a drop box for the firefighters fund. When the drop box is ready, Madison Principal Jeff Neumann will make an announcement to the students.
"Today is just a quiet day for us," Neumann said. Everyone has a different way of dealing with the terrorist attacks, he said, so today was a quiet day of meditation.
School officials also have been answering students' questions and concerns and the school is trying to maintain "a level of normalcy," Neumann said.
Sacred Heart Elementary School had an all-school mass and prayer service this morning that also was attended by parents and parishioners. Students were also decked out in red, white and blue clothing.
On the fence at the school a large sign hangs that states "God Bless America" and was signed by all the students.
Triton Elementary began a penny drive today and students dressed in red, white and blue.
Lakeland Christian Academy had a time of prayer at 1 p.m.
Pierceton Elementary School students were asked to wear red, white and blue today. The school day started off with announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance. The moment of silence was observed at 11 a.m. In the afternoon, school officials were considering assembling the school for the singing of patriotic songs.
Mentone Elementary School students brought in coins to put in a jar. The money will be donated to the American Red Cross. One student, a spokeswoman reported, donated all the money he was saving up for a trip to Walt Disney World.
Students wore red, white and blue and patriotic music was played. As always, the day began with the Pledge. Red, white and blue ribbons also were tied to staff vehicles, school doors and poles.
