The moment was made even more meaningful by the sounds of our Liberty Band, who helped create a powerful and patriotic atmosphere as our school gathered together.
Senior Ellie Mansur shared, “The ceremony in the Quad was very meaningful, and having our band play made it even more powerful and patriotic. It was great to see everyone come together to share a moment of remembrance for those impacted by 9/11.”
Principal Leandrea Slayton reflected on the significance of the morning, saying, “The remembrance ceremony that took place this morning was one of my proudest moments as principal. With over 2,300 staff and students standing inside the quad, surrounded by 25 flags representing the 25th anniversary, I was moved by the degree of respect and honor our students demonstrated. From turning toward the flags for the National Anthem played by our band, to the silence as Coach Prosser shared about losing his best friend, who we learned was his brother, in the battles that followed, to the moment of silence as student Alex Juarez played Taps, it was an experience of PRIDE that I will take with me forever.”
For many of our students, September 11 is something they have learned about in history books rather than experienced themselves. This morning gave us an opportunity to help them understand that behind the date and the numbers were real people, real families, and real stories.
Senior Pete Quijada reflected on why remembering September 11 remains important, even for a generation that was not alive when it happened.
“Even though I wasn't around when it happened, remembering 9/11 is important because it completely shaped the world we live in today. It's a way to honor all the innocent lives lost and the incredible courage of the first responders who rushed in to help. Remembering history helps us understand where we came from and reminds us how important unity and looking out for one another really are.”
His experience reinforced the power of coming together with a shared purpose.
“Being part of it really made me feel connected to something bigger than myself,” Pete said. “I learned that even small acts of service can carry a lot of meaning when people come together for a shared purpose. It left me with a deep respect for those who serve others every day and showed me how powerful it is when a community unites to support one another.”
As Liberty Patriots, we gathered not only to remember, but to consider what it means to live with gratitude for our freedom and responsibility for one another. Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and reflect on the unity that emerged from one of our nation's darkest days.
May we carry that spirit of unity, service, and looking out for one another forward, not just on September 11, but every day.