September 11th Remembered Well At Lafayette

It was 8 years ago that we had the scare of our lives.

I can't even believe its been that long!

It seems like just yesterday i was in fourth grade, sitting in my classroom when the teachers turned on the television to hear the news that a plane had hit the World Trade Center.

Now, i don't remember very much because my parents made sure that all the newspapers and TV reports were hidden from us kids.

But now, September 11th is remembered in the most subtle, yet meaningful ways.

Yesterday at 7:50 outside on the football field, the ROTC, the principle Mr. Shaughnessy, a trumpet player from our band, and myself along with 100 or so other students and faculty held a commemorative ceremony dedicated to lives lost during 9/11. It was simple, yet as my principle and i said after, meaningful.

Then throughout the day, 4 bell were chimed followed by a requested moment of silence to signify the four plane crashes that day.

In orchestra we played a piece entitled Dedication. It was a sight-reading piece (meaning our first time as an orchestra reading through a piece of music with no pratice) But the seniors in the class have played it three times before. My orchestra director plays this every year with us as a memorial to the bravery of the firefighters and police who dedicated their lives to protecting our country.

Later that night we had our first home football game. While tailgating we saw a firetruck by the entrance of the field and an American Flag was raised above the gate. Then while walking in, all of the Superfans (a great club at LHS dedicated to cheering on our athletes) were given little american flags which were held, stuck in ponytails, head bands and proudly given to younger kids around the stadium.

Then, before the game, Mr. Shaughnessy gave a small speech and the choir proudly sung the national anthem.

Overall i am really proud to be an American and a Lafayette High School Student.