The nation wrestled with grief and anger as the death toll continued to mount from terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. It was starting to smell like war. At schools across America, some 3 million teenagers, children, and collegians waged war too, establishing spiritual beachheads as they prayed at their flagpoles for their schools and the nation. The theme took on new depth and meaning in the wake of deadly hijackings that captured the nation's attention. But some prayed alone, and many others were grateful for a little company.
Someone has to break the ground.
Celina's mother drove her to Massabesic Jr. High School in Waterboro, Maine. The mom was a bit concerned when she saw no one else waiting to pray. She offered to take her to the high school where there were students gathered, but Celina said no, stating that she wanted to take a stand on her own campus. And Still Growing . . . Youth pastor Mike Laurence reported 1,000 students from schools in the Metro West area of Massachusetts, near Boston.