Remembering September 11th

An important part of the start of each school day at Nipmuc is the reading of the morning announcements from the student group affectionately known as "The Voice of Nipmuc". Just after the ringing of the 7:30am bell which starts our school day, our students can rely on the The Voice of Nipmuc to provide the pledge to the flag, announcements of the day, and some words of wisdom. As we have made our transition back from summer vacation, we've looked to The Voice of Nipmuc as a way to help us return to the routine of being in school. Today, however, The Voice of Nipmuc provided an important reminder that this September morning was far from routine.

Included below is the announcement prepared and read by Brian Mullen, a senior member of the Voice of Nipmuc, reminding our school to remember the lasting impact of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

"This Sunday is the ten year anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11th. Four airplanes were hijacked by terrorists. Flights 11, 77, 93, and 175 were commandeered by terrorists. Flights 11 and 175 crashed into the north and south towers of the World Trade Center. Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon and Flight 93 was courageously reclaimed by the passengers and crashed in Pennsylvania. Many were affected by the losses of September 11th and we must not forget the courage displayed that fateful day.

On November 11th, 2001, President George W. Bush said, 'Time is passing. Yet, for the United States there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of children.'

I would now like to take a long moment of silence to remember all those lost and affected by September 11.

Thank you and may we all live in an indivisible nation with liberty and justice for all."

I am extremely thankful for Brian's leadership and for reminding us of the courage of those who lost their lives, the lasting impact of the tragedy, and the power of the American spirit.