Covert Avenue School students and staff, joined by members of the American Legion Post 1033, gathered outside for the school’s annual commemoration of Patriot Day, on Sept. 11.
The ceremony began with the flag being lowered to half-mast and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Following, there was a moment of silence and the ringing of bells for the lives lost on that day. The fifth-grade chorus, under the direction of music teacher Sheryl Turk, then sang “God Bless the U.S.A.”
“On Sept. 11, and the days that followed, there were firefighters, police officers and just regular people who helped each other,” Principal Mary Natoli said. “They worked very hard to keep others safe, even though they were scared themselves because no one really knew what was happening. This shows us how important it is to be brave and help others and stick together when times are tough. Patriot Day also reminds us how important it is to be kind and understanding.”
Following Mrs. Natoli’s remarks, the chorus sang again as the students left the ceremony and re-entered the building.