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McDowell AFJROTC program hosts 9/11 memorial

Millcreek Township School District ›  |  Posted on

McDowell AFJROTC cadets salute as the 9/11 Flag of Honor is raised at McDowell Intermediate High School.

McDowell High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) cadets performed a memorial to remember the events of 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives on a day that changed the United States forever. Students took part in a mass formation memorial, where they saluted as the flag outside of McDowell Intermediate High School was replaced with the 9/11 Flag of Honor and a wreath was laid at the flagpole. This special flag has all 2,977 victims’ names written on it and will be flown at half staff.

“September 11th is a day that permanently changed the world. It’s important that the kids carry with them, as best as we can teach them, the gravity of that day and how it changed everything while remembering those who died and the bravery of those who rushed in to help,” said Major John Nygaard, USAF, Retired. Nygaard is the Senior Aerospace Instructor for the McDowell AFJROTC Program.

For students, the annual memorial helps them grasp the significance of the day. Since 9/11 happened nearly a quarter-century ago, none of the students in the program today were alive at the time. However, they still feel the impact that resonates in the world around them from that day.

“It means understanding maybe 1% of what those people went through. Raising the flag meant reflecting on the fact that it affected our whole nation, not just NYC and DC and Shanksville,” said 12th grader and Cadet Captain Levi Glass.

Another student focuses on the significance of all those who took action to help others after the attacks, especially first responders, “It’s a solemn day where we honor those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives to help others without a second thought,” 11th grader and Cadet 1st Lieutenant Aubrey McClelland said.

The 9/11 Flag of Honor will remain at half staff at McDowell Intermediate High School throughout the day and be replaced with the traditional American flag on Friday, September 12. McDowell’s AFJROTC program currently has nearly 100 cadets and is also open to students attending Fairview, Ft. Leboeuf and General McLane school districts.