Springfield schools mark 9/11

Life, vigilance and duty were three themes discussed at a special 9/11 assembly at Springfield High School on Monday.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110913/NEWS02/709139949

Springfield schools mark 9/11


Springfield High School students overlook an American flag display honoring the lives of those who died on Sept. 11.

By Christian Avard
Staff Writer - Published: September 13, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Life, vigilance and duty were three themes discussed at a special 9/11 assembly at Springfield High School on Monday.

Up to 500 students, faculty and staff crammed the Kevin Sheehan Auditorium for a 10-year memorial of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. When Principal Bob Thibault spoke, he recalled a phone call from his mother informing him that his brother in New York City was OK. Thibault was unclear what she meant until he went into the school library and watched the events unfold on television.

“Many of us have stories. The Sept. 11 attacks shattered our peaceful existences and changed our lives forever. The purpose is to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this horrific day and honor those who perished,” Thibault said.

Senior Felicia Graham shared a personal story. Her parents were friends with a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 that crashed into the North Tower. Graham said many students may not have thought much of it back then because they were young. Ten years later, she urged students to care.

“America may be a very secure nation but by no means are we bulletproof or exempt from destruction,” Graham said. “Think about how you lucky you are to have loved ones because in a blink of an eye, all can be lost.”

Social Studies teacher Jeff Lavin commended police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and others who took part in the Sept. 11 rescue efforts. He also told students that safeguarding the country’s freedoms is the students’ debt to those who sacrificed their lives.

“To remember is our obligation to our history. Vigilance is our obligation to our future,” Lavin said.

Deputy Fire Chief Scott Richardson and Capt. Sean Foulois of the Springfield Fire Dept. reminded students that ordinary people carried out rescue and recovery efforts 10 years ago. Richardson said their spirit was carried out after Tropical Storm Irene. Foulois said they put duty above self.

“Duty, loyalty, self-sacrifice and love still have meaning in the hearts of ordinary people we work and live with every day. They taught what is to be human,” Foulois said.

Lt. Mark Fountain of the Springfield Police Department thanked students for the assembly. He said nobody will forget “the horror” of Sept. 11. Like Graham, he urged students not to take life for granted.