On Wednesday, September 11, students met outside on the front grounds to remember the lives of people who passed away 23 years ago due to the terrorist attack. It was a hot morning during 3rd period, when the AFJROTC performed the annual remembrance ceremony honoring the thousands of lives lost due to this day. There were countless students and staff members present to watch the ceremony.
The ceremony began with the AFJROTC marching towards the flagpole to lower the flag to half-mast. This action shows respect to the victims of the attack and symbolizes unity as a nation. After a moment of silence, the choir began to sing the national anthem. Then the ROTC began their speech by informing the students of the events of this day and about the significance of it and how thousands of lives have been affected. They continued their speech explaining the multiple attacks and how the amount of people that it has affected. For the rest of the ceremony, everyone observed a moment of silence to reflect on the tragic day experienced by the victims and their families.
MSgt Alvin Johnson, educator of AFJROTC- CA20142, said, “We continue to remember all the lives lost that day by doing ceremonies like this and remembering how we came together as a nation after that day.” He continues to talk about how significant this day is for our history as we lost countless lives, and it’s a constant reminder of how we came together as a nation and should continue to do so, and that the AFJROTC will continue to do this ceremony annually during this somber day.
