After September 11, citizens of countries
around the world wanted to pitch in to help America recover. A group
in Ireland wanted to make something creative and positive, showing
compassion and love for those suffering. They came up with the Smile
to the World Project.
Children from every elementary school in Ireland were invited to
paint a picture of joy, hope, and inspiration. Then, 2,100 of those
pictures were put together to form a banner 100 feet long and 18
feet wide in the image of a rainbow.
"The energy and enthusiasm the kids put in is unbelievable," said
Brian Cumiskey, cofounder of the project. He hopes that by
bringing the banner to the U.S., it will "lift the spirits of New
Yorkers and Americans everywhere."
Both students and teachers were very excited about the project,
and they loved the idea of being able to respond to the tragedy
in such a positive way, added Cumiskey.
In early September, the banner will be brought to New York City
to commemorate the one-year anniversary of September 11. The banner
will fly into Newark Airport and be met by a reception from the
Governor of New Jersey, Jim McGreevey. From there it will travel
to New York City, where it will be displayed at a ceremony and possibly
be featured on the
Today Show.
The banner will tour five other U.S. cities that were affected by
the September 11 attacks, including Boston, Pittsburgh, Washington
D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Do you think these kids are heroes? To nominate a hero into our
Hall of Heroes,
click here.
