BRIDGEPORT – Bridgeport Exempted Village School District marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 2001 terrorist attacks by remembering both the tragedy as well as the heroism demonstrated by many that day. Students and younger teachers who have grown up in the shadow of the 9/11 attacks also reflected on what they could do to keep that spirit of unity strong.
Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher welcomed students to a remembrance assembly in the gymnasium. He spoke about the nearly 3,000 lives lost, as well as the first responders and everyday heroes who stepped up.
“It was a moment of great sadness, but also one that showed us the strength and courage and unity of the American people,” he said. “As a school community, it’s important that we learn not only the history of 9/11, but also the lessons it carries.”
Following a moment of silence, the band performed the National Anthem.
Student speakers were eighth grader Esme’e and sophomore Zaydon McNickle-Heil. They have listened to the stories of those who lived through and witnessed the 9/11 attacks.
Esme’e said 9/11 was an event that shaped the world. Her parents were high school seniors at the time and told her about the shock, fear and uncertainty of that day.
She said while the loss was grievous, the response also stands out.
“On that day, strangers helped strangers. Regular civilians became heroes. In the midst of what was happening, people did what they could to help.”
Esme’e said the desire to help others is carried on close to home, by friends and neighbors in their own community.
“A day like Sept. 11 is not something you can just forget, but you can’t let it define you either.”
Esme’e asked everyone to honor those sacrifices by helping someone.
“Never forget the victims or the heroes.”
Zaydon said he and his fellow students did not watch the events unfold or have their own memories from that time.
“Instead we have grown up hearing the stories. We have seen the pictures and videos,” he said. “Because we weren’t there, it could be easy for something like this to become another date in history, but I don’t think it should.”
He reflected on the people who woke up believing Sept. 11, 2001 would be a normal Tuesday.
“History isn’t just something that happened a long time ago to people we never knew. History shapes the world we live in today. Even though we don’t personally remember Sept. 11, we have a responsibility to remember the people whose lives were changed forever.”
He said one of the most memorable aspects of 9/11 was the response afterward.
Bridgeport Middle School Principal Aaron Marovich said he also grew up learning about 9/11. He said the world seemed to stop.
“Our country experienced an unimaginable tragedy,” he said. “Those who died that day were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends and neighbors. Their lives were cut short, but their memory continues to live on.”
He said the outpouring of support will never be forgotten.
“For those of you who lived through it, the images and emotions are unforgettable,” he said. “What stands out the most is not only the tragedy, but the unity that followed.”
He said they should honor the heroism of 9/11 with a commitment to live out those values.
Afterward, Esme’e said when writing her speech, she decided to celebrate the spirit of courage and unity that showed itself.
“Every year we learn about the timeline and the facts of what happened, so I wanted to make my speech about the unity of people,” she said. “How people reacted to what was happening.”
Zaydon recalled hearing his grandmother’s experiences of the attacks. She found it unbelievable at first and felt the fear and confusion even though she was watching something occurring far away in New York.
“She was in the middle of one of her high school classes,” he said. “It was a chaotic day.”
He agreed about the importance of taking the responses to 9/11 as an example.
Marovich and Fisher were proud of their students.
Marovich congratulated Esme’e.
“She really highlighted really well about how we needed to do one good thing today and try to take that time to really make it about other people today and unite.”
He added his teachers were also reflecting on Sept. 11 2001.
Fisher also commended Zaydon.
“He did very well. I’m very proud of him. I thought he spoke very well. I liked his speech a lot. It touched on the experience of all our students who were not alive, and even younger teachers,” he said. “We have teachers who are talking about this day and remembering this day, and they weren’t alive.”
Fisher said what matters is how they remember 9/11 and the values they take from it.
