Twenty-five years ago, Emma E. Booker Elementary School became part of American history. On the morning of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush was reading to students in one of its classrooms when he learned the country was under attack. Since then, the school has kept a quiet but powerful reminder of that day: a memorial garden with painted rocks honoring the lives lost.
As the 25th anniversary approaches, that garden is getting new life. United Way Suncoast and Florida Blue are honoring the history through service projects across Sarasota, including restoring the garden at Booker Elementary. Volunteers and school staff are working side by side on the grounds, and it’s one of those projects where the effort matters as much as the outcome.
Booker’s place in 9/11 history is unique among schools nationwide, and the community here doesn’t take that lightly. The bookkeeper at the school put it simply: forever Booker will be in history, and everyone will know Emma E. Booker Elementary. If you’ve never seen the garden, this anniversary week is a good time to learn more about it.
Do you remember where you were on the morning of September 11, 2001?
