Students and faculty at Ogden Elementary gathered outside on the morning of Sept. 11 to honor the victims and commemorate the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Students from every grade sat outside the school waving American flags as faculty, Board of Education members, and community residents gathered to remind them of the tragic events that occurred 24 years ago.
“Together, we have gathered to remember September 11, 2001,” Ogden Principal Nicola Lynch said. “This was a day that tested our nation, but it also showed us the true strength of America. We saw incredible heroes step forward, firefighters, police officers, paramedics and everyday citizens, who chose courage over fear. We remember what it means to be free and how precious that freedom is.”
A moment of silence gave students time to reflect on those who keep them safe and how they can make a small difference every day, followed by a rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes by Callum Pasqua, an orchestra teacher at Hewlett High School.
Several students were chosen to read poems aloud to those in attendance, sharing reflections that highlighted the significance of freedom and the lasting lessons of Sept. 11.
Ogden Vice Principal Robert Machado also read a poem to the students, emphasizing the importance of remembering the lessons of freedom and the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
“This year is most important than any we have known, to appreciate those lessons we sadly have been shown,” Machado said. “In one day we have learned that this land of the free, has been changed forever from what it used to be. We may take it for granted, free from the strife of war, fought in some foreign land, brought to our home shore. This battle must be waged each and every day, if we hope to preserve the American way.
Students also had the opportunity to perform, leading the school in patriotic songs including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “This Land Is Your Land,” and “God Bless America.”
“On that day we learned how precious life is,” Lynch said. “We saw some amazing things, people of all different backgrounds coming together, helping their neighbors, this is what makes America strong, our willingness to care for one another. Today we remember how we show that kindness to all people, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or what they believe.”
