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Everyone was silent while the student played. As “Taps” sounded on the grounds of Randolph-Henry High, students, teachers and staff were asked to share their memories of Sept. 11, 2001. There naturally wasn’t any comment from students, as none of the kids at Randolph-Henry were born when the 9-11 attacks took place. Several teachers and staff members shared where they were and what they could remember about the day, when they found out the towers had fallen. 

The ceremony was meant to honor all of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy. That goes for all those on board American Airlines Flight 11, which crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York at 8:46 a.m. They also remembered those on board United Airlines Flight 175, which crashed into the South Tower of the Center at 9:03 a.m. And they paid tribute to those on American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. and United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, as passengers attempted to overpower the hijackers.

“This was our first time organizing an event like this,” said Randolph-Henry High Principal Erin Davis. “After receiving a memo about schools being eligible to receive the Freedom Flag to raise on 9/11, our school board office made sure we had a flag in time for the day.” 

From there, Davis said, the staff started discussing the idea of holding a special ceremony at the flagpole. 

“ The History Department embraced the idea, organized a meaningful flag-raising ceremony, and invited everyone in the school who wished to attend,” Davis added, praising the group’s efforts. “The event was a tremendous success, and we enjoyed it so much that we hope to make it an annual tradition.”

More about Randolph-Henry High ceremony

Held at the Randolph-Henry High flagpole, the ceremony had been organized by the school’s History Department, giving students a time for reflection. Teachers and staff also gave students more information about the history of that date, along with the events leaving up to and including the terrorist attack. Also during the ceremony, staff members presented information about the events of 9/11 and shared the symbolism of the Freedom Flag before raising it. 

“This was a meaningful and impactful event, fostering a sense of unity and remembrance among our students and staff,” Davis said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to honor those who were lost and to educate our students about this significant moment in our nation’s history.”