Innocence Is Very Fragile

To the Editor:

I am a nanny of three children, one of which attends St Rose elementary school. While driving the child to school this morning, I saw many little flags stuck in the ground. It seemed at first to be a memorial for those who passed on 9/11. As we turned into the parking lot, however, I read the big sign in the middle of the flags. This is how many babies were aborted today!

The kids were full of wonder, “What is that?!” Flustered, I told a lie that I had not seen the sign and did not know. Not only is it not my place to explain these things to them, but I was horrified that the church would place such a sign at the entrance of an elementary school.

Free speech is as important to me as anyone. If this had been anywhere else — a high school or college campus, for example — I would take no issue. However, elementary-aged children have little to no idea about sex, babies, their reproductive system, or anything that would lead to their knowledge of abortion. To introduce this topic so obnoxiously felt intrusive and highly inappropriate.

I do hope that St Rose will take this into consideration and place such signs away from the school’s entrance. Innocence is very fragile.

Marisa Caron

4 Clearview Drive, Sandy Hook                           September 12, 2011