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21 years ago today, tragedy struck our nation. High school students today don’t remember what happened on that day, but we have been taught to remember all of the courageous people that passed on that day. At the beginning of Mod F/G Dr. Dwulit gave a speech over the loudspeaker.
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Mrs. Dwuilt’s announcement: “It was at this time, 8:46am, on this day, September 11th, 18 years ago that our nation was impacted forever. The first of two planes would hit the World Trade Center, beginning a series of attacks intended to get to the soul of America. We were terrified, angry, desperate, humbled, sad…and then strong, kind, selfless, proud and most important, resilient. We stood together as first responders saved countless lives. We remember the thousands of lives lost today and will never forget. We also remember those that ran toward the devastation in hopes of providing assistance, while thousands fled to safety. (We then shared a moment of silence)”
After Dr. Dwulit’s speech, most high school students walked to the front of the school to put flags in the ground in the shape of a heart in remembrance for all the victims of 9/11.
Many felt the seriousness of this, for they shared what this day means to them. Junior Nora Kate Gavin shared,”It means to me the importance and bravery of the American people. How many citizens risked their lives and saved strangers. The courage it took or no hesitation at all to burst into the Trade Center. It means to me the strength it took to carry or help people out of the buildings. 21 years later, people are still admired for their selflessness and their fearless attitude. I appreciate the bold and daring minds of those who helped and risked their lives.”
Although not all of us experienced 9/11, we still feel for the victims. As Junior Clarissa Trosky stated, “I think it’s a sad piece of history. I have no personal stories myself but still get chills reading or hearing about it. I feel empathetic for those who did experience this tragedy but no personal grief.”
For many, this date each year still carries meaning both within our community and the rest of the country. As Junior Brandon Sapolsky would say, “The stories of the 9/11 attacks still haunt me, I cannot fathom being in a situation where these attacks are happening against our nation. I was not alive during these terrorist attacks, but from what I have read and watched it was a terrible time for our country. My parents shared their experiences of the day with me and they were going on with their normal life.”
Freshman Tyler Hanny has his own family ties to this date as well: “9/11 is an experience that many will not forget, and is a time that we must honor and always remember. I wasn’t alive at the time of the horrible attack, but I have asked both my parents and grandparents what they thought when they first were informed. With a father in the military, before I was even born, he was sent back overseas to the Middle East to help with our armed forces. So many first responders and everyday citizens risked and unfortunately lost their lives trying to save others who were caught and trapped in the towers. September 11th, 2001 is a day that we can only look back on, but we must let it strengthen us, make us come together as a nation, and never forget those who laid down their lives to save others.”
Reporting completed by: Kristina Wissner, J.D. Engel, Lucy Ha, and Jase Klatzin
