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You are at: Home >> News >> 091106-essayprogram.htm

Israel Announces 9/11 Remembrance Essay Writing Program for Elementary Students

Selected Entries to be Posted on Israel’s Congressional Blog Each Year

Oakdale, NY – Congressman Steve Israel (D- Huntington) joined with students at Idle Hour Elementary School to announce the establishment of the “Message in a Bottle” September 11th remembrance essay program. The program, which was named for a letter Rep. Israel received from a student in Greenlawn that he posted on his blog, will encourage elementary students to write annual essays on September 11th to be posted on his website.

“Most elementary students have faint memories or none at all of a day that has forever changed our nation,” said Israel. “Despite this, young people are impacted by 9/11 every day and can share many thoughts and feelings by writing about the tragic events of that day.”

The program was inspired by a letter Israel received from a nine year-old in Greenlawn which he posted on his congressional blog. The student responded to an essay prompt of “My message is written. Now I will put it into a bottle and toss it into the raging sea” by writing that we should “use words instead of weapons and fists.” The posting, which received a large response from students and parents, spurred the creation of the “Message in a Bottle” 9/11 remembrance essay program.

Students will submit entries to Israel’s office each year and selected entries will be posted on Israel’s congressional blog. Israel’s blog, which he started in July, provides readers with an inside look at Congress and Israel’s thoughts on key issues. New entries are posted an average of twice a week and can be accessed by visiting www.house.gov/israel.

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