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Students Honor Emergency Workers on 9/11 Anniversary

By  //  September 13, 2012

Cocoa, Rockledge Workers Attend Ceremony

BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA –  “God Bless America” rang out at St. Mary’s Catholic School on Tuesday while the American flag flew at half-mast to remember those who died on Sept. 11 and those who continue to sacrifice to protect the nation today.

More than 300 students, teachers, parents and community members gathered at the school just before 8 a.m. – the 11th anniversary of the September terrorist attacks — to remember and to thank those who continue to protect and serve today so our American way of life is preserved.

“They’re superheroes,” said So

St. Mary's Catholic School students raise the American flag during a ceremony Tuesday honoring first responders for the their sacrifices now and on 9/11. (Image courtesy St. Mary's Catholic School)

phia Wiener, a first-grader who made one of the many cards the students presented to representatives from the Rockledge Fire Department, Rockledge and Cocoa Police and the U.S. Air Force during a short ceremony around the school flag pole. Other gifts included paper quilts the 40 first-graders made and candy.

Among the superheroes present were: U.S. Air Force Major Adam Neil, Rockledge Fire Department Lt. Andy Karl, Rockledge firefighters Ed Syfrett, Paul Beaver and Jacob Lee, Rockledge Police Officer Jason Wood and Cocoa Police Sergeant Matt Turner.

A quilt made by St. Mary's students pays tribute to those who died on Sept. 11, 2001 and the rescue workers who tried to help them. (Image courtesy St. Mary's Catholic School)

The ceremony included prayers of thanks and of protection for all those who continue to serve as first-responders and in the military.

The entire school also recited the pledge of allegiance as some parents and onlookers waved miniature flags.

“We’re so honored they are here,” said Principal Sandra Basinger. “It is important for them to know we remember and appreciate them and for
our children to know that we enjoy our freedoms because someone is paying a price. We trying to get our students to recognize and honor that sacrifice.”

The first-grade teachers who organized the event, Suzanne Strain and Mary Pat Altman, say it is important for children to recognize others’ personal sacrifices to keep the nation safe. It’s a tough lesson for very young children to grasp, but an important one.