Students commemorate victims of 9/11 attacks

A somber feeling flowed with the warm, subtle breeze on Monday morning when the United States flag was lowered to half-staff by East Fallowfield Elementary School Club Scouts, Pack 219.

That feeling was similar to how it felt on the day terrorist attacked America 16 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001. East Fallowfield Elementary School held its annual Sept. 11 ceremony which commemorates the losses of the nearly 3,000 people who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the members of Flight 93 who took back the hijacked plane which crashed in an open field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania instead of the terrorists intended target in Washington, D.C.

The students, of the Coatesville Area School District, reflected on memories of the people who died in the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited with conviction and the Star Spangled Banner was sung fervently. Students read the poem “We’re Still Standing” by Hannah Schoechert, depicting the resiliency of Americans.

First responders from several municipalities joined the ceremony, including East Fallowfield Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police Embreeville Barracks, Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Post 845 Downingtown, Westwood Fire Company, Modena Fire Company and a representative from the office of state Rep. Harry Lewis Jr., R-74, of Caln.

Staff and students said they were moved by Vice Commander Jim Fox of V.F. W. Post 845 solemnly playing Taps.

“I saw gentle tears streaming down quite a few faces in the crowd,” said East Fallowfield Principal Wayne Wallace. “It was evident that our community still carries heavy hearts from the terrorist act that occurred 16 years ago.”

The ceremony concluded with the reading of names of the victims who perished in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A bell tone echoed, as their names were called.

“It was evident that our community still carries heavy hearts from the terrorist act that occurred 16 years ago.” - East Fallowfield Principal Wayne Wallace

SUBMITTED PHOTO East Fallowfield Elementary School students commemorate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks during a ceremony on Monday. Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts participated during the ceremony.

SUBMITTED PHOTO East Fallowfield Elementary School students commemorate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks during a ceremony on Monday.