As students around the Massapequa Public Schools observed a moment of silence to mark the five year anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Fairfield Elementary students continued the commemoration with the school-wide reading of the school's September "Book of the Month" selection, entitled Fireboat.

"It is so important for students to be able to connect to a book," said Principal Jason Esposito. "On the anniversary of September 11th, what better way to help students understand and ease some of their fears about this day in history than through literature."

Fireboat tells the story of a New York City fireboat that is designated for the scrap heap, until the events of 9/11 unfold and the little boat calls upon all of his strength and bravery to help battle the blazes engulfing the Twin Towers.

After the reading, students had the opportunity to write about and discuss their feelings, all the while making text-to-life connections about a day in U.S. History that will be remembered forever.