Cobb Reporter

Cobb Schools issued the following announcement on Sept. 13. 

In solemn ceremonies across the District, Cobb school communities took time to remember the lives lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Students, staff, and school visitors reflected on how the events of that fateful day have impacted so many families across the past two decades.

Some schools, like Kennesaw Mountain High School, invited local first responders, veterans, and active service members to attend their ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the events that rocked the entire nation.

Near the flagpole, Kennesaw Mountain Navy JROTC cadets rang the bell to signify when each horrific event occurred 20 years ago at the North Tower of the World Trade Center, South Tower of the WTC, Pentagon, and Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The KMHS cadets passed the flag to the poem “Old Glory” before raising the flag to half-mast while a trumpeter played “Taps.”

“I think it is important that we continue to remember this day for what it is because so many people gave their lives that day, and I think we should always remember not only the people who were on the planes but also the people who gave their lives trying to help,” said KMHS senior and NJROTC cadet Evangeline. “So many families were affected by it. It really affected everyone.”

For KMHS 10th grader Diego, learning about the events that happened on 9-11 compelled him to join the NJROTC program at his school.

“It was before we were born, but we still feel the aftereffects, especially with what is happening recently in the Middle East,” Diego added.

Senior Nyjai, whose parents both served in the military, agrees with her fellow NJROTC cadets about the importance of remembrance ceremonies.

“I think it is important for my generation to remember about 9-11 because we are not always safe, and that is the importance of the military and people serving and giving back,” Nyjai said. “I hope everyone remembers 9-11 because it is very important in our history.”

For their NJROTC commander, Philip Pascoe, the events of 9-11 are even more personal. He was serving in the military at the time and knew someone who died in the attack at the Pentagon. His military career also sent him over to Iraq and Afghanistan in the years after that fateful day.

“No one was prepared for September 11. I don’t think anyone thought someone would take an airplane and fly it into a building and use it as a weapon. For the kids, it is important to understand what went on in the past, why we do things the way we do now, and how to prevent it from happening in the future,” CDR Pascoe said.

Kennesaw Mountain wasn’t the only Cobb school to hold remembrance ceremonies.

Wheeler High School also invited first responders, including members of the fire and police department, to attend their 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony. Wheeler's JROTC cadets and Rifle Team also performed a ceremonial flag-raising in honor of the lives lost.

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At Walton High School, thousands of flags lined the walkways of the campus in memory of the 2,977 lives lost during the attacks on 9-11. Walton's Student Leadership Council purchased the flags and worked with the Student Government Association to place the flags around the campus. Students at Kell High School also organized a flag display to honor those who died.

“I am very proud of our students for ensuring that generations like theirs who did not live through this tragedy understand the importance of remembering the lives lost on 9-11,” said Dr. Catherine Mallanda, Walton principal.

Members of the Cobb County Sheriff Department, Cobb County Police Department, and Cobb County Fire Department attended the annual remembrance ceremony at Hillgrove High School. Hillgrove has held a remembrance ceremony for as long as Principal Angela Stewart can remember.

“We respect the lives of those who were lost. We want to make sure we acknowledge that, and we want to make sure we don’t forget. We want to teach our students that those types of events deserve a memorable moment,” said Principal Stewart.

This year, flags lined the sidewalk, “Taps” rang out, a bell chimed, the school band played, and police motorcycles with mounted flags stood guard as part of the Hillgrove ceremony.

“I would like to commend Principal Stewart and the entire JROTC program. It is a first-class ceremony. This is a wonderful tribute,” added Cobb Schools Board Member Brad Wheeler.

For police officers, the Hillgrove event provided an opportunity to pay tribute to all the police officers and firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice on 9-11.

At other schools in Cobb, students observed Patriot Day by wearing red, white, and blue. Some of those schools include Kemp Elementary School, Belmont Hills Elementary School, and Sanders Elementary School.

Original source can be found here.

Source: Cobb Schools