BRIDGEPORT – Students and faculty at Bridgeport Exempted Village School District took time Thursday morning to remember tragedy and heroism on the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher welcomed students and introduced two student speakers.
“Sept. 11 is a day our nation will never forget,” Fisher said. “It was a moment of great sadness, but also one that showed us the strength, courage and unity of our American people.”
Sophomores Myzhara Jeter and Jaiden Gear researched the Sept. 11 attacks and the first responders and everyday heroes who stepped up. They recounted the horrifying images of airplanes striking the Twin Towers, the crash into the Pentagon and the heroism of the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93.
Jeter and Gear highlighted some of nearly 3,000 lives lost, including passengers on the planes, first responders and all those who ran toward danger to give aid at the risk and in many cases the loss of their own lives.
Jeter touched on the hijackers’ views and motivations and said their actions were completely unacceptable.
“Despite other people’s beliefs, it should never cost somebody’s life,” she said afterward.
Jeter mentioned three-year-old Dana Falkenberg, who was killed in the attack on the Pentagon. She also recounted the phone calls between passengers of Flight 93 and their loved ones, and their attempt to take control of the plane from the hijackers.
Jeter also referred to Thomas Burnett, one of those passengers on Flight 93.
“We honor this man and others who acted on the plane, who sacrificed their lives to save others,” she said. “We need to cherish the time we have with others.”
Gear described images of the smoke-filled skies of New York City as fire engulfed the buildings.
“Those trapped inside held loved ones, sacrificed themselves to save others, and some chose to jump instead of being taken by the fire.”
He spoke about the unimaginable choices made by individuals such as Rick Rescorla, who sacrificed his life evacuating people from one of the buildings.
“He was last seen heading back upstairs toward the flames,” Gear said.
“We gather here in remembrance of a tragedy that was inflicted on the United States,” he said. “The world will never forget that day.”
Other heroes that day included Todd Beamer, Jeremy Glick and Sandy Bradshaw aboard Flight 93. The oldest first responder to perish was firefighter William Feehan, 71.
Fisher said the memory of those whose lives were cut short continues to live on in the way people choose to remember them.
“For many of you, 9/11 happened before you were born. For those of us who lived through it, the images and emotions are unforgettable. We remember where we were when we first heard the news, and how the world seemed to stop,” he said. “What stands out most is not only the tragedy, but the unity that followed.”
Fisher said the spirit of service, compassion and resilience are reflected in the Bridgeport Schools community, where they strive to live the values shown on that day.
Fisher and the students challenged all present to perform acts of service for others to carry forward the spirit of those who came together in the wake of devastation.
Afterward, Jeter and Gear spoke about growing up after Sept. 11 and what they have learned from the research for their presentations.
Jeter said the attacks have continued to ripple through the years.
“Even if I wasn’t born at the time or involved in it at all, it still affects people to this day,” she said. “We need to honor the lives that were taken.”
Gear said he knew right away what he would focus on during his talk.
“I knew that it’s very effective to us now. It was a very important part of our history,” he said. “It was very sad, whenever we were researching.”
