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In their words

Are we less vulnerable? How has your life changed? 9/11 then and now.

I think schools are far safer places today because of the tragedies incurred in Colorado, Columbine and the 9/11 incident. I think that most school systems, and particularly ours, have a better working relationship with the Sheriff's Department out of necessity, than we ever have.

"We realize they're professionals and we're not. We've developed lock-down procedures, we developed terrorist plans. . . . Schools, 20 years ago, wouldn't have known what to do if that occurred . . .

"I think history became important and (teaching) about our government and how it works. . . . The governor and the commissioner calling down and making sure that - the first year anyway, not too much this year - we were all honoring 9/11 in some special way. We had different memorials in every school in the county, almost.

"And most of them are doing it again this year. I think that just helps these young students understand the meaning of a democratic government, and the tragedy we faced and how important a unified front is.

"I think these kids in school really got that message that day, too. We had kids frightened that day. We had kids walking around the halls crying. Nobody knew what was going on, and I think it was a good wakeup call in this country and the schools. . . . We can't just sit back and be complacent and think that nothing will ever happen here, it always happens someplace else in the world. I think kids learned a real lesson from that. And I think teachers are now using that and teaching that and helping students understand they need to get involved and stay active.

"More than anything, I've just seen this renewed patriotism in the country and in the schools." - John Long, superintendent of Pasco County schools