Schools Bring Students Together to Remember Victims and Salute Our Heroes
On the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks of 9/11, students throughout the Hendrick Hudson School District paused to remember the victims and pay tribute to first-responder heroes working in our schools and our community.
At Furnace Woods Elementary School, the school commemorated Patriot Day with a Day of Service and Flag Raising Ceremony. The event, which was led by Principal Josh Cohen, provided students with an opportunity to thank police, fire, EMT and military personnel in attendance.
“Today, we gathered several dedicated and hard-working citizens from our local service organizations that we felt were important to acknowledge,” Cohen said. “Thank you for all that you do for us on a regular basis.”
A handful of Pre-K, kindergarten, first and second-grade students presented the guests in attendance with tokens of their appreciation in the form of drawings and banners. Afterward, two other students joined custodian Scott Gilbert and safety/security officer Rob Riley — both military veterans — in the front circle for a flag raising. Four more students then joined Cohen in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
At Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School, students and staff members were joined by a host of first responders, some of whom are graduates of Hendrick Hudson. Principal Dr. Cynthia Kramer led a Day of Service and Remembrance where students surrounded the flagpole in the school courtyard.
During the event, some of the students shared with the crowd why first responders were so important. They also helped recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The ceremony ended with a moment of silence for 9/11 victims.
At Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School, Principal James Mackin emceed a ceremony that welcomed local police officers and firefighters to the campus. The school’s safety/security officer Kenneth Gilleo then raised the flag to full-staff before lowering it to half-staff in memory of 9/11 victims.
Afterward, music teacher Juliet Soricelli led those in attendance in singing the National Anthem. The ceremony then ended in a moment of silence.
“In our district, we are committed to teaching our students not only the facts of history but also the lessons that arise from it,” Superintendent of Schools Michael A. Tromblee said of the somber occasion. “The story of September 11 is one that reminds us of the importance of compassion, resilience and unity in the face of adversity. Today, we pause to reflect, to honor, and to remember. May we continue to hold these values close, not only on this day but in how we approach our lives and our community every day.”