In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the posting of "God Bless America" signs in public school buildings has become somewhat of a controversy. Some believe it's an opportunity to unite in patriotism while others firmly say it's an obvious violation of church vs. state. Expanding on that belief, some further feel that religion and patriotism should not be intermixed.

Since Sept. 11, schools across the United States have tried to serve their community by promoting patriotism through the display of patriotic symbols, such as the American flag, and patriotic signs, such as the one the Garden City School District received from a second-grade class from Littleton, CO that reads "God Bless America."

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy recently spoke before US Congress in strong support of a new resolution to support public schools that choose to display the words "God Bless America" as an expression of support for this nation in their buildings.

"I rise in strong support of this resolution because it acknowledges the important role our schools play in times of crisis. The tragic events of Sept. 11 have left a lifelong scar on our children. Many have asked why would someone do such a thing. Many are worried for their parents who may be fighting to end terrorism. There are so many questions that need to be answered and fears to be addressed but our teachers and schools have risen to the challenge," McCarthy said.

"As a representative from New York, whose district was impacted by the terrorist acts of Sept. 11, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable job our teachers and school officials have exhibited to calm the fears of our children. In fact, you can find these exceptional acts of professionalism in schools throughout the country."

The resolution, which unanimously passed in the House of Representatives Oct. 16 and in the Senate Oct. 17, need not be presented to President Bush for action. Rather, the clerk of the House of Representatives and the secretary of the Senate sign the resolution.

The measure's sponsor, Rep. Henry Brown, said he recalls standing on the steps of the evacuated Capitol building on the evening of Sept. 11, joining other lawmakers in singing God Bless America. He said threats to any public school showing the same type of patriotism that he and fellow lawmakers showed that night is just the opposite of what this country is built on.

The words "God Bless America" can now be seen on bumper stickers, T-shirts, pins worn by local dignitaries and just about everywhere else you see this country's colors of red, white and blue. President Bush even shouted it to rescue workers down at Ground Zero over a bullhorn. Now, public schools have joined the bandwagon and are hanging signs and draping flags in school hallways.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), however, believes displaying such words is a "hurtful, divisive message" in clear violation of the Constitution. In fact, in a letter sent to a Breen Elementary School in California, the ACLU demanded school officials replace the sign immediately. The ACLU has also challenged schools in Indiana, New Jersey, Illinois and Oklahoma.

A lawyer for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), a not-for-profit public interest law and educational group established to educate the public and the government about the constitutional rights of citizens, particularly in the context of the expression of religious sentiments, said the ACLU "misconstrued the establishment clause of the First Amendment," which states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. The ACLJ therefore believes nothing in the posting of the phrase "God Bless America" on the marquee of a public school, for example, accomplishes such an establishment of religion.

The chief counsel for the ACLJ said "God Bless America" is part of this country's heritage, part of its patriotic heritage and pledges to defend any school or group that is denied the right to post such a sign.

McCarthy believes "Schools across the country have become more than education institutions. They have become healing grounds that answer children's questions, comfort them during this time of need and instill a sense of unity. I'm proud to say our schools have answered this challenge with open arms. Not only have our teachers answered the tough questions with compassion and understanding, they have instilled a new sense of patriotism in the minds of our children.

"The Pledge of Allegiance to this country, as well as the Star Spangled Banner that is sung before events outside of the classroom, will continue to unite us as Americans. The words of these national themes are just as important now as they were over 200 years ago. I applaud our schools for their ability to help the children of this country understand there is no place for terrorism in this world and that the United States will do everything in its power to eliminate it. I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution," she concluded.

The ACLJ drew up an informational letter for school officials explaining the constitutionality of displaying such statements in public schools. The Center, receiving numerous inquiries since Sept. 11 about the rights and constitutionality of those displays, opted to provide school officials with general principles of the law regarding such displays.

The ACLJ emphatically states there is "no such thing" in the Constitution as "separation of church and state." Instead, the Center claims the Constitution prohibits the establishment of a church for the country by Congress. The concept of "separation of church and state," Center officials say, is a poorly crafted metaphor intended to illuminate Thomas Jefferson's approach to the relationship between religious entities and government. That metaphor, however, was never enacted into law by the states as an amendment to the Constitution.

Under current law, Center officials said it is entirely permissible for a public school or other government body to put up a "God Bless America" sign on its property in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Many believe it is well within the bounds of accepted practices, along with the national motto, "One Nation Under God," and "In God We Trust," seen on US currency.

At a recent board of education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen Leitman and School Board President Ken Monaghan, expressed their sympathy to everyone affected by the devastating tragedy of Sept.11 and thanked the district staff, PTA (Parent Teacher Association) and board of education for their help and cooperation during this difficult time. Leitman stressed that the district's focus is "to keep all educational programs intact and ensure the safety of the children."

Leitman and Dr. Mary Lou McDermott, assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel, displayed a "Remembrance Flag" sent to Garden City Schools from St. Mary's School in Littleton, CO. The words "God Bless America" are displayed on the flag. Leitman read the following letter from second-grade teacher Robyn Whelan, who orchestrated the hands-on project.

"I am a second-grade school teacher at St. Mary's School in Littleton, CO. I have lived here for 20 years but much of my heart (and my family) still reside in New York. I went to Mineola High School and my mother did her student teaching at Stewart Avenue School.

"My family told me that the local paper mentioned Garden City was one of the areas hit very hard in this recent national tragedy. Our community in Littleton is just now slowly recovering from the Columbine High School shootings. We remember receiving mail from all over the country and it helped with the healing process. This "Remembrance Flag" was signed by grades K-3 in the hope that we could reach out across the country to show we are unified in feelings of grief and hope for the future. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!"

The flag was displayed at the Oct. 15 board meeting, then traveled to Stewart School, the Breeders' Cup celebration at St. Paul's Oct. 26, later making its way to Stratford School before finding its permanent location in the district. School officials offer their deepest appreciation to St. Mary's School, Robyn Whelan and all the children who made this special flag for Garden City. "You have warmed our hearts and touched each of us...thank you," they said.