A touching ceremony took place this morning at Philadelphia High School as students gathered to mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. The event, organized by Mrs. Hollingsworth’s Dual Credit U.S. History class, was a heartfelt tribute to the lives lost and the bravery exhibited on that fateful day.
The program, led by Philadelphia High School Principal Mrs. Drake, began with a solemn reminder of the events of September 11th. "Thank you for joining us today as we Remember and Reflect on the events of September eleventh, two thousand and one, a day we simply call nine eleven," she said.
Students took center stage to present an adapted version of President Joe Biden’s Proclamation to the Nation. Jaelon Carter, Sarah Renee Richardson, and Brelon Tanksley each delivered moving passages that underscored the significance of the day.
Carter reflected on the tragedy, stating, "Twenty-three years ago, on September eleventh, two thousand and one, two thousand, nine hundred seventy-seven precious lives were ripped from us in an evil attack on our Nation. Today we renew the vow to Never Forget. Never forget the loved ones we lost, the first responders who ran toward the rubble, and the countless patriots who joined to serve in the years following."
Richardson continued the tribute by honoring the courage of those involved in the immediate response and recovery efforts. "Today we remember those who were lost and pray for those who still bear the wounds from that September morning. We also reflect on the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the families and first responders at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93."
Brelon Tanksley concluded the students' reflections with a call to action: "Let us remember, reflect, and renew. Remember the lives lost. Reflect on the changed lives that remain. And let us renew our faith in one another."
The ceremony included a symbolic lowering and raising of the American flag to half-mast, performed by Giselle Spurlock and Rhianna Rush. The touching moment was accompanied by a rendition of "America the Beautiful," sung by Ray Charles. In the event of rain, the program included a video tribute of the song by Matt Beilis.
As the program concluded, Principal Drake expressed gratitude to the community partners who made the event possible. Special thanks were given to Woodmen of the World for donating the new flag, Mr. Ken Edwards of Neshoba County Veterans Services for the proper disposal of the retired flag, Mrs. Tameka Wilson and Lowe’s of Philadelphia for the new rope, and SRO Peeples and the Philadelphia Fire Department for their assistance with the installation.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity of the nation, reaffirming the commitment to honor the memory of those lost and uphold the values they stood for.