ents Welcome to Take Part in American Spirit Day at Historical Building
For Immediate Release August 30, 2002
DES MOINES, Iowa—Special free programs and activities will be geared toward students as part of American Spirit Day, Wednesday, Sept. 11—a day to commemorate the events of Sept. 11 a year ago and celebrate the American Spirit that emerged as a result. The American Spirit Day activities, sponsored by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines. A listing of events and times is listed below.
Middle and high school students across the state, and their teachers, are encouraged to participate in this community event. A wide variety of programs and activities have been planned specifically for school groups between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The general public is also welcome to participate in the day-long activities and then join the city of Des Moines-sponsored parade that begins at 6 p.m. on the Capitol steps. The parade will end at Sec Taylor Stadium with a citywide event.
Sarah Macht, education coordinator with the State Historical Society of Iowa, said American Spirit Day activities include hands-on art activities, performances, discussion groups and a complimentary lunch.
"Recent surveys of American teenagers show a majority felt the Sept. 11 events were the most significant in their lifetime," Macht said. "Many have felt closer to their families and communities since the attacks."
School groups are encouraged to call 515-242-5193 before Sept. 10 to arrange a visit.
Note: While some of the day’s events are geared specifically toward students, the public is invited to take part in these activities as well, and vice versa.
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American Spirit Day: A Special Memorial Event
Sept. 11, 2002
Schedule of Events
Displays and Exhibits |
|
|
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
American Spirit Grant Project displays in the Atrium |
Education Events |
|
|
10 a.m.-1:45 p.m. |
"Reflections and Reactions: The American Spirit Banner"
Supervising artists from Very Special Arts Iowa. School groups will schedule
one session for participation. Limit of 100 students per session. Using colored
pens and fabric pieces, participants will create a collage of artwork and written
words glued onto a muslin banner to be carried in the evening citywide parade.
They will demonstrate the impact of words and art in expressing their personal
stories and reactions to the events of Sept. 11, 2001. |
|
10 a.m.-5 p.m. |
"Milliken’s Bend" |
|
10 a.m.-5 p.m. |
"Beyond 9-11: The Art of Renewal in Iowa" Twenty-one artists,
writers and musicians were selected for this project. Their works and interviews
reflect the spirit of hope and creativity and a diversity of viewpoints. The project
Web site (www.beyond9-11.org) will be
on display and various artists will be featured. |
|
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. |
Free lunch served on the Grand Terrace |
|
Noon-5 p.m. |
"Reflections and Reactions, The American Spirit
Banner" art project is open to public participation. |
|
12:30-1:45 p.m. |
"The Faces of Freedom"One-act play written by Cynthia Mercati
and performed by the Iowa Touring Company of the Des Moines Playhouse. This play
uses creative storytelling, drama and staging to show audiences that ours is a
nation of great diversity based on tolerance and freedom for all. |
Public Events |
|
|
2-3 p.m. |
"American Renewal: 1941 & 2001" The Grout Museum of History
and Science in Waterloo videotaped discussions with 80 individuals to collect
their memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, and the events of Sept.
11, 2001. These videos recording the response of Americans to crisis will be shown
to accompany a group discussion with veterans sharing their memories. |
|
3-3:30 p.m. |
"America Sings"The Ames Children’s chorus performs a concert
featuring music by American composers and arrangers, including several from Iowa.
There will also be music from many cultural traditions within America. |
|
3:45-4:30 p.m. |
"Let Freedom Swing" This performance by Iowa State University
Dance features local entertainers in the traditional festive atmosphere of war-time
shows. |
|
4:45-5 p.m. |
"The Guys"StageWest Productions performers read from a new
play that has been presented only in New York and Los Angeles—until now. "The
Guys" was written by Ann Nelson, a New York journalism professor, based on her
own experience helping a fire department captain write eulogies for eight of his
men who died in the collapse of the twin towers. The writer struggles herself
to come to terms with the event while helping him deal with personal loss. The
entire play will be presented in the Iowa Public Theater by StageWest Productions
on Sept. 6-7, 12-14 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 8 and 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and
are available in the State Historical Building Museum Shop or can be charged by
phone at 515-283-1757. |
|
5:15-5:45 p.m. |
Conclusion |
