Fourth grade learns what it means to be a hero

Lindsey Julian’s fourth grade class at Little Britain observed Patriot Day by learning about the events that occurred on 9/11. Patriot Day honors all of the people who became heroes on September 11, 2001. This morning, Ms. Julian’s class watched a video about Welles Remy Crowther, a hero who saved 12 lives during 9/11. 

Mr. Crowther was known as “The man in the red bandana,” and acquired his nickname because he always wore a red bandana as a child. He was a volunteer firefighter at 16 and after graduating college, he took a job as an equities trader in the World Trade Center. Mr. Crowther is known as a hero because he led 12 people down 17 flights of stairs to safety, from the 78th floor to the 61st floor. Then, Mr. Crowther went back up the stairs because he knew that there were still more people that needed help. Witness accounts from the day say Mr. Crowther was also wearing his red bandana as he led people to safety. 

Addressing the sensitive topic, Ms. Julian made sure to check in with her students and asked them to describe how they were feeling after watching the video. Some shared that they were sad while others said they felt inspired by Mr. Crowther’s actions. 

“Yesterday, we had a conversation about emotions and how it’s OK to feel certain things,” said Ms. Julian. “It’s a very emotional memory, but it’s important to understand what happened in our history, especially how much it affected our country.”

Students then filled out a worksheet where they wrote down words that described the characteristics of a hero such as brave, courageous, heart and caring. They discussed how Mr. Crowther exhibited these qualities and shared who the heroes are in their own lives. 

“My dad is my hero,” said Casey Goodwin. “He’s taught me all about the world and he’s taught me how to be strong.”