Lee High School JROTC Puts on 9/11 Tribute
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Today marks the 14th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Across the country, people are remembering and paying tribute to fallen heroes. Robert E. Lee honored those who lost their lives on 9/11 with a ceremony put on by the school’s Air Force JROTC.
The oldest students in Lee High School’s JROTC were just three and four years old when 9/11 happened. But they say they understand the significance of this day.
It’s a day most of us will never forget. But for the JROTC at Lee High School, it’s a day they don’t even remember.
“The senior cadets, most of them were three when it happened,” said senior Cadet Zalkari Thornton. “So, the freshman weren’t even born. So before we start practicing, Colonel Douglas, he explains to us the significance of 9/11.”
The cadets put on a moving 9/11 tribute in front of the school Friday morning. Although they don’t have a firsthand account of the terror attacks, they learned about the tragedy through various sources.
“One of my instructors, they had the recordings,” said Cadet Mikala Stella.
“I learned about 9/11 through my parents and my family,” said Kentasia Carlton. “They tell me stories all the time of what they were going at the time.”
Cadet Allen Williams says he feels a responsibility to honor those who were killed.
“It’s just playing my part and honoring those who have been of great service to their country, the innocent lives that were lost on that day and keeping up the good American tradition of us just being there for each other.”
Members of the Maxwell-Gunter community were also on hand to help pay tribute. And a performance by the Coral Lees also helped commemorate the occasion.
There was also a moment of silence and the raising of the American flag. So although the cadets may not remember what happened 14 years ago, they want to help others reflect.
“The purpose of the ceremony is to show that we haven’t forgotten about the victims in 9/11 and to show honor and tribute to those who died in 9/11,” Thornton said.
“I respect those who lost their lives in 9/11,” said Carlton. “It’s still very important to me. Even though it’s years later, it’s still very important.”
