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FWISD Holds Patriot Day Ceremonies to Remember 9/11
With the help of JROTC programs, students and educators across the Fort Worth ISD paused Tuesday to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost in terror attacks on the United States, September 11, 2001.
On the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the American flag which has flown over the FWISD Administration Building since 2016 was retired and replaced with a new one.
The 2018 Patriot Day ceremony at the District’s Administration Building was about America’s history but also the resilience of the American spirit.
“History is the way we as Americans look at life,” said retired LTC Richard Crossley, director of JROTC programs, and, “it’s a source of strength and inspiration.”
“Today we remember,” said retired LTC Richard Crossley, director of JROTC programs. “Our history, our American story, is our definition as a people and as a nation. It is a story like no other.”
Approximately 50 employees gathered in the lobby or looked on from the facility’s stairs and balconies as LTC Crossley and Superintendent Kent P. Scribner gave remarks, followed by a flag presentation and moment of silence conducted by the District JROTC Corps Commander.
A display with representation from all branches of the military, the U.S., Texas and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flags stood in front of a black backdrop. In front of the flags was a red, white and blue floral arrangement with two American flags. A banner was positioned adjacent to the display that read: “In honor of the lives that were lost, their families and all who sacrificed for our freedom. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.”
“This morning we took down the American flag that has flown over this building for several years,” Dr. Scribner said. “It has been battered by the wind, bleached by the sun, frozen in the cold, and soaked in the rain. Like the American spirit, however, it held fast and true.
“As we hoist the new flag today in its place, let us remember our spirit, our determination and our contribution to this wonderful country of ours that can also be renewed when we devote ourselves to the principles of freedom, the rule of law and the respect for human life."
Edrian Cofer, a senior at Dunbar High School, was just a baby when the 9/11 attacks occurred. On Tuesday, she participated in the District’s Patriot Day ceremony, presenting the significance of the American flag.
“It really kind of brought it closer to my heart to be a civilian participant in our society and respect those who have served our country. It was a great experience,” she said of the ceremony. “I’m glad to see a lot of people come out and pay respect this morning, and I’m glad to have a position even as young as I am.
“It’s really good to be here and pay respect.”
Patriot Day ceremonies were also scheduled at multiple campuses throughout the District.
By a joint resolution, approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the U.S. Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized "National Day of Service and Remembrance."
View Patriot Day ceremony photos here.
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