Last week marked the 19th year since the September 11 (9/11) terrorist attacks on the United States. In 2001, on 9/11, there were four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda. The attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, and over 25,000 injuries.
I am certain all of us remember that day and where we were when we heard the news. I was in Canada consulting for a school in Montreal. I recall the confusion and fear that we all felt. We could not get home to families as borders into the U.S. were shut down and all flights cancelled. Ironically, once I knew our families were safe, what I recall the most is the love, support, and generosity of the Canadian people towards us. The world truly came together, as did our nation.
While this attack happened in the United States, it is also a reminder of the many VVS families, students, and alumni who live in other countries where terrorism is an everyday occurrence.
Verde Valley School began 73 years ago to be a place for students from all over the world to come together and learn to value one another's cultures, backgrounds, and diversity. Hamilton and Barbara Warren began VVS so that students would learn world citizenship and cultural understanding and to discuss, debate, and even disagree in a classroom, instead of on a battlefield. VVS is a school that counters hate and judgment with respect and acceptance. VVS is a place that promotes inclusion.
Take a moment to be grateful, because the world is waiting for us to step up and create a more peaceful and healthy tomorrow. While 9/11 marks a horrible event from the past, I ask us all to focus on a world that benefits from our values and beliefs that it is possible to work together to create a better world.
Best,
Paul Amadio
Head of School