Patriot Day program to honor first responders

RANDOLPH – Randolph Public Schools is inviting the public to help remember and reflect on the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honor local first responders at a new Patriot Day program.

Students and school staff will join local residents at the program, which will have people gathering around the flagpole at 8:15 a.m., Friday, Sept. 8, at Randolph Elementary.

Patriot Day was established as an annual observance to remember and reflect on the events of the 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and Pentagon and the people who died on Flight 93, as well as the brave first responders who sacrificed their own lives in an effort to save others.

Randolph Superintendent Daryl Schrunk said he’s coordinated Patriot Day programs for the past 20 years.

“We have the Veterans Day program in November, but this is just another opportunity to, especially since it’s been more than 20 years ago, to keep it fresh in our minds and not forget about that day, 22 years later,” he said. “Our students weren’t even born then. It’s a good thing to keep going.”

Local fire and rescue volunteers, law enforcement and military members will be special guests honored at the program.

“Here in Randolph, in small communities, it’s not like they’re getting paid for putting their lives on the line,” Schrunk said of the local fire and rescue departments. “It’s a good way to recognize local people for their courage and what they’re doing for the community.”

High school students will be brought over to the elementary school by bus to participate.

Local program activities will include the presentation of the American flag, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of patriotic songs and a patriotic speech. A moment of silence is incorporated into the program to remember those fallen heroes from Sept. 11, 2001, and participants will be asked to dismiss from the flagpole quietly.