“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short, and there is no time for hate,” said Sandy Dahl, wife of United Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.
In lockstep with endless schools across the county, Smithtown Central School District students and faculty joined to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Thursday marked 24 years since the terror attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon rocked our nation.
Smithtown High School East social studies teacher Bill Coderre successfully hosted one of the ceremonies by deploying his American Legion Post 833 Commander acumen. The event took place outside the school by the “Survivor Tree,” which was planted years earlier in commemoration of departed souls lost on 9/11.
Superintendent Mark Secaur noted that a sense of unity rose throughout the country at the time of the tragedy, which effectively made that date one “where all gave some and some gave all.”
“Today, we stand together united,” added Principal Paul McNeil. “We remember the lives lost and families changed forever.
A commemorative wreath was also placed on the grounds before students Jaden Robinson, Madeline Tegano and Casey Wilkinson performed a moving rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
At High School West, a ceremony took place at the Memorial Guardian. Assistant Principal School Johnson—a member of the US Navy reserves—introduced the Smithtown Fire Department Color Guard, who led a red, white and blue-rife presentation.
Principal William Holl told the crowd that remembering the fallen on 9/11 is “a reminder of strength, courage and unity… and it is a day to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the amazing country we live in.”