Over time, memories often grow to become more and more distant to those who experienced them. It can feel so long ago when a particular event may have happened that it might even be soon forgotten by some.
The events of 9/11 do not fall in such a category – as the United States vows each and every year to never forget that fateful day – however, in places like schools, the events of 9/11 have already transformed from remembering to teaching.
With 2019 being the 18th year since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 1, 2001, where nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives, high school students currently attending their senior years across the country are the last remaining class where a good portion of students may have been alive on that day, no matter how new to the world.
Over the course of the previous 17 years, students who were in high school, middle school or even high levels of elementary school may have been able to recall brief memories from what they saw on the news or read following the attacks. Students currently in school rely solely on documentaries, what they learn in school and what they see in the re-airing of news broadcasts from the live coverage.
For reasons like this, events like the one held at Timber Creek Regional High School on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 11 serve an important role in educating students on what happened and how different the world was, and is, because of that day.
One of multiple ceremonies held within Gloucester Township this past week, the school held an outdoor ceremony attended by the district superintendent, principal and students, as well as Mayor David Mayer, Councilman Michael Mignone and Police Chief Harry Earle.
Along with singing provided by the school’s choir, as well as the presentation of the flags by the Highland Regional High School Jr. ROTC program, both school and township officials spoke to recount their memories of that day while also thanking first responders who risked their lives to save others.
“For our students, while you were not alive on that day, this is one day that we get to remember in our country that we shall never forget,” said Principal Luis Amberths Jr. during the ceremony.
Black Horse Pike Regional School District Superintendent of Schools Brian Repici spoke at the ceremony, saying he understands how 9/11 and the devastation it caused might be, understandably, lost on some current students at first since they were not alive to feel its effect that day.
However, he stressed the importance of learning about the tragedy and paying respect to honor those who were lost.
“For most of you here this morning, Sept. 11, 2001, is a day that is somewhat removed from conscious, after all, students gathered here today were not yet born. Some of you were just a few months old,” said Repici. “So I understand that it’s difficult for you to imagine the horror that we witnessed, it’s difficult for you to comprehend the devastation and loss.
“History provides us a window into another context, into another time, into another valley of memories that for this event, for most of you here, do not share,” said Repici.
Timber Creek opened its doors shortly after the events of 9/11, creating a lasting link between the two, with the school having always operated in the post-2001 era, filled with increased security measures and more.
Mayer also spoke, recounting and honoring the exact number of Americans and first responders who lost their lives during the attacks.
“I think it’s really important that Timber Creek hosts this event, because as was already mentioned, the class of 2020 will be the first class in which most of you were not born on Sept. 11, 2001,” said Mayer. “So I think it’s important that you, as future leaders, remember that day and remember those families.”
After the ceremony, vice principal for 11th grade Garry Saunders stressed the importance of students truly understanding the importance of the lasting effect that Sept. 11, 2001, had on the United States.
“The old adage really makes sense here, in that you have to know where you come from in order to know where you’re going,” said Saunders. “So it’s events like this that bring some perspective to students.”
Also in Gloucester Township, the Chews Landing Fire Department hosted a 9/11 Memorial Dedication at its location at 43 Somerdale Road.
