Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On September 18, 2001, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on letters from local school children, sent to the President, the rescuers, and to children at Al-Salam Day School, a local Muslim school that had closed due to threats. The article reported, "Riverview Gardens schools Superintendent Chris Wright told school principals that the recent terrorist acts, which have been linked to Islamic extremists, offered students a chance to learn about American values as well as about discrimination against Arab-Americans or Muslims...'We need to make sure that kids understand what democratic values stand for, that they are a strong line of defense against hatred and intolerance.'" The article gave examples of letters of support written by local schoolchildren, including this line from a 5th grader: 'Our forefathers clearly stated that all men are created equal, and it clearly pains me to see Americans not living out the true meaning of its creed as a country.'" Another student wrote, "'We don't want you to be afraid in St. Louis...We hope nothing bad happens to you. We are your brothers and sisters.'"