Words for reflection and respect

The Maine Principals’ Association on Friday printed this script for a moment of silence on its Web site:

It was written by National School Public Relations Association member Janet Swiecichowski of the Wayzata Public Schools in Minnesota. It can be used in schools, athletic events, band competitions, etc., this weekend…

Please stand silently for a moment of reflection and respect.

Words cannot express the tremendous grief our nation is experiencing over the tragedy of the past week. As a community an a nation, we are stunned.

We mourn the tragic loss of lives and injuries, and our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families and friends. We commend the heroic actions and courage of the rescue workers, volunteers and government officials.

And today/tonight, as we struggle to return to normalcy, we look to the wisdom of our national leaders who are resolved to not allow this event to change our way of life or restrict our freedom.

In the words of our congressional leaders we, “the people of the United States… will stand united as our nation begins the process of recovering…”

Please join me in a moment of silence…

. For the innocent men, women and children who lost their lives on an airplane, at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon and on the streets of New York.

. For civil servants – firefighters, police officers and military personnel – who have dedicated and lost their lives protecting our safety, our freedom and our democracy.

. For the thousands of family and friends who wait in terror and grieve their loss.

. For those who are working tirelessly in the rescue effort.

. And for our national leaders who in the coming days and weeks will formulate our national response.