Since Sept.

Saturday, October 20, 2001

Since Sept. 11, we have seen devastating circumstances bring strangers and communities together. We have seen the religious and ethnic barriers come down in this time of uncertainty and we have seen donations pour in from around the world. We applaud these actions now, but we need to plan for the future.

Two leaders are doing just that. The unlikely political team of Bill Clinton and Bob Dole joined forces to raise money for the Families of Freedom Foundation. This fund enables children and spouses of every victim of the terrorist attacks to receive college tuition grants. The Families of Freedom Foundation has raised over $25 million in the last few weeks. In five years when these tragic events are behind us and the initial donations come to an end, there are still families who will be suffering, both emotionally and financially. This fund has a lasting impact. Education is one of the greatest gifts we can provide. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. That is something that no act of terrorism can take away.

Children are our greatest resources and they are our future leaders. Providing these victims with long term donations, such as post-secondary educational opportunities, is the logical choice to make.