Thursday, October 1, 2026
Through a variety of programs, classroom activities and tributes, hundreds of students and staff members in the Freeport school district commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Each school shared a common focus on remembering those who were lost in the attacks, including the Freeport residents who lost their lives.
Students at the Archer Street Elementary School gathered on the front lawn beneath the U.S. flag for their remembrance ceremony. The program featured a performance of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” by the third-grade Ukulele Club, a rendition of “Taps” and a moment of silence. The ceremony concluded with the school community joining together to sing “God Bless America.”
At the Bayview Avenue School of Arts and Sciences, students and staff dressed in red, white and blue to honor the legacies of the lives lost on Sept. 11 and for the community heroes still serving. Two students sang “America,” followed by a moment of silence during the ceremony. Several “remembrance activities” were done in classrooms throughout the day to further the commemoration efforts.
The Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School welcomed first responders and individuals who were in the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11 attacks for their Respect Parade through the school’s halls. Students presented further tributes in the forms of songs and poetry at the conclusion of the parade.
New Visions Elementary School of Discovery and Exploration held an outdoor ceremony to recognize several of Freeport’s heroes. Members of the Freeport Fire Department also spoke to the students about the importance of never forgetting the heroes lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
The Caroline G. Atkinson Elementary School marked the anniversary by creating peace quilts that had each individual quilt piece represent peace and remembrance. Students then paraded their work in a showcase to celebrate such messages of unity and peace.
At the John W. Dodd Middle School, students commemorated 9/11 by listening to personal stories from members of their school community, where school and district employees shared their memories from the day of the attacks.
At Freeport High School, members of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps lowered he school’s flag at half-mast as the high school community gathered for a moment of silence and reflection. The junior officers also participated in the village’s larger celebration on South Bayview Avenue later that evening.
25 years later, the Freeport school community continues to ensure that the lessons and stories of Sept. 11 are remembered and passed on.
