Students remember 9/11

9/11, a day that has lived in infamy, is seen as a day of both tragedy and remembrance. The children of North Elementary School, approximately 500 in total, gathered together for a special freedom walk in remembrance of the lives that were lost on 9/11.

"It's just a patriotic unity day," said North Elementary Principal Polly Sanders.

Children from the kindergarten, first, second, third and fourth grade classes lined up and, joined by their teachers and some of their parents, walked the quarter-mile-long field adjacent to the school's playgrounds in silent memory last Thursday.

Children walked the decorated field twice (led by their teachers who were flag bearers) wearing red, white and blue paraphernalia and carrying paper cutouts of colored flags, doves and a special banner that read, "We Will Never Forget."

Once the walk concluded, the children gathered together for a special assembly where music teacher Robin Milligan led the children, teachers and parents in a group sing-a-long of "America" and "My Country Tis' of Thee."

Followed the singing, Principal Polly Sanders, asked the children to take the time to realize the meaning of why they were together and conducted a five-second period of silent remembrance.

"I think it was very moving, very emotional and I think the kids learned one meaning of patriotism," said Sanders.

Following the walk, two young students shared their opinions of the Freedom Walk.

"I learned that America is always in your heart," said first grader Caiden Ash who was celebrating his seventh birthday.

"It felt really good. It was a lot better than reading. It was a good way to show respect," said nine-year-old Haley Link.