On the 20th anniversary of the national tragedy of September 11, 2001, Penta Career Center marked Patriot Day with a ceremony outside the main entrance. This year’s tribute was particularly poignant as it marked two decades after the terrorist attacks against the United States.
Reliving a tragic memory is neither pleasant nor easy, but it is necessary for healing and lessons to be learned. Those lessons and the impact of that day are now being passed to a generation of high school students who were not yet born in 2001.
Students and staff gathered near the flagpole at Penta’s main entrance with State Representative Haraz Ghanbari, who delivered the keynote address. VFW Post 9963 of Walbridge and first responders and law enforcement from Perrysburg Township, Pemberville, Rossford, Toledo, Troy, Lake and Monclova townships, Hoytville, Maumee, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Owens Community College also attended.
To emphasize the significance of the day, Perrysburg Township and Pemberville fire departments draped a large American flag between their ladder trucks.
Criminal justice student Meiah Smith served as emcee, “It is my honor and privilege to stand before you today as we remember the 20th anniversary of the day that changed our country forever.”
Following her opening comments, Rowan Creps of Perrysburg Schools, sang the National Anthem as the criminal justice color guard presented the colors.
Recalling the day when four planes were hijacked by terrorists and flown into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon with the fourth forced down by passengers in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Meiah said, “We gather today to remember those who lost their lives 20 years ago. We vowed to never forget and 20 years later, we haven’t.”
She noted that 2,977 lives perished that day. In addition to those who died in the planes, 343 New York City firefighters, 60 NYC police officers and eight paramedics perished while trying to save others.
Even though she was not alive when the tragedy unfolded, Meiah recognized the impact it had on the nation. “It brought all of America together. This day, our country became unified; one nation under God; no division, but total unity.”
She commended the first responders for their actions. “It takes an extraordinary and dedicated person to run into the depths of hell when people are running out; to provide comfort to those who are in harm’s way; to look someone in the eye, hold their hands and tell them everything will be okay when you know your own life is in danger. That is heroism.”
She continued, “Each taught us what it means to be a hero, to be an example of selflessness; to put others before yourself.”
Meiah believes the attacks were “meant to break us, but instead, made us stronger and more united.”
And like the days, weeks and months after September 11, Meiah said the country “needs to come together. We need to show even the simplest act of kindness as a way to honor those we lost.”
“I ask you to join me in faith that good will not only endure, but will prevail. Never forget what happened 20 years ago. Never forget their heroic actions.”
After her presentation, the Penta honor guard under the direction of AJ Ybarra Jr., a criminal justice student from Rossford Schools, raised the American flag to the top before slowly lowering it to half-staff in remembrance.
VFW Post 9963 members then delivered a 21-gun salute; criminal justice student Vata Alliman played “Taps” and the Black Swamp Pipe and Drum Corps, performed “Amazing Grace.” Lifeflight performed a flyover, and facing the flag dipped its nose to pay homage to those who lost their lives that day.
Rep. Ghanbari acknowledged that like everyone old enough to remember, he recalls the events of September 11 and what he was doing that morning, noting it is etched in collective memories of millions of Americans.
He noted that 9/11 is a day Americans remember each year, but for the families of those who perished, it is remembered each day with an empty seat at the table or a relative no longer at birthday or other celebrations.
Mr. Ghanbari urges students to heed the lessons of prior wars and conflicts, to speak to a veteran of another generation and learn about their stories. “They make this nation great,” he said.
The state representative believes it is vital for people to come together as a community and be patriotic. “We do not want to have another 9/11 to unite us.”
In closing, he recognized Gold Star families, who made the ultimate sacrifice of a son or daughter who died in the line of duty. “Let us never forget their service and sacrifice.”
To first responders and law enforcement, he added, “You are the role models I want my kids to emulate. You are prepared to give your life for this community. May God bless each and everyone of you.”
Penta Career Center serves 16 school districts in five counties including Springfield High School.
~Jane Maiolo
