GHC students and staff pause in honor of Patriot Day, remembers September 11, 2001

Every year for 25 years, Granada Hills Charter pauses to remember September 11, 2001. May we never forget.

Below is a transcript of this morning's announcements:

"Today is Patriot Day, and today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks of 2001. This morning, we pause as a school community to remember those who lost their lives, honor those who responded with extraordinary courage, and reflect on the strength, service, unity, and compassion demonstrated in the days that followed.

For our students, September 11, 2001, is an event from history. None of our current students were alive when the attacks occurred. Many of your teachers were children, teenagers, or young adults themselves. Some members of our school community had not yet been born.

As time passes, it becomes even more important to teach the history and significance of September 11. For those of us who remember where we were that morning, the events remain part of our lived experience. For younger generations, understanding what happened and how that day changed our country helps ensure its significance is not lost over time.

Twenty-five years ago, terrorists attacked the United States at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania. Two thousand nine hundred seventy-seven people lost their lives that day.

On this 25th anniversary, we honor those who were lost, those who sacrificed their lives trying to save others, the first responders who answered tragedy with extraordinary courage, and the many people who have continued to serve their communities and our country.

September 11 also reminds us of our responsibility to strengthen our own community. Students are encouraged to perform one patriotic act today through service, kindness, or compassion. We remain committed to educating our young people to become responsible, engaged citizens and active, informed members of their communities."

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited together, as it is every day at Granada Hills Charter. A moment of silence was held, followed by the GHC Chamber Singers' performance of "America the Beautiful."

Thank you to all of our GHC Highlanders for your service, kindness, and compassion today and every day.