In response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, students at my small, private school resolved to make 1000 paper cranes to commemorate the innocent lives lost and to honor all those who rescued, served, and helped.
Many students wrote on the paper–recording their thoughts or prayers–before folding it into this international symbol of peace.
The art of origami requires some skill, and older students taught younger students, international students helped American students, and students of one faith and belief system helped those of other faiths and beliefs. Everyone worked together towards this common goal…one crane at a time.
As we planned how to display them, we decided that the small cranes would surround one magnificent pure white crane. The large crane was created from several pieces of drawing paper that were carefully taped together and then folded.
The small cranes were joined together in long columns with fishing line separated by cut up pieces of drinking straws, and on October 11, 2001–the one month anniversary of the attack–we were ready to display them. The cranes were carefully carried from the art building to the school’s main building where they were hung from the 14-foot ceiling of the dining hall.
1000 paper cranes holding our dreams for world peace….
This is one of the best tutorials on how to fold a paper crane that I’ve ever seen:
