The Manor Oaks School community gathered outside on Sept. 11 to commemorate Patriot Day and honor the anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Each class participated in the ceremony, led by a student carrying an American flag.
“This happened many years before any of you were born, but it is still an important day for us to recognize,” Principal Colleen Topping said during her opening remarks. “We remember the people whose lives were lost and we honor the many brave individuals who stepped forward that day – firefighters, police officers, first responders, neighbors and everyday citizens who helped one another.”
Ms. Topping encouraged students to reflect on those acts of courage and kindness and carry those values forward by helping others in need and expressing gratitude to those who work to keep their communities safe. She also reminded students to be grateful for the freedoms they enjoy and proud to live in the United States.
The school community then joined together in singing the school song, “Ode to Moe,” followed by a moment of silence to honor and remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11.
To conclude the ceremony, one representative from each class placed an American flag beside the school’s 9/11 memorial tree and plaque on the front lawn.