Philadelphia High School commemorates 9/11 terror attacks

Philadelphia High School students gathered Wednesday morning to mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. 

The event, organized by Mrs. Hollingsworth’s Dual Credit U.S. History class, was a heartfelt tribute to the lives lost, and the bravery exhibited on that fateful day.

The program, led by Philadelphia High School Principal Mrs. Drake, began with a solemn reminder of the events of September 11th. 

"Thank you for joining us today as we Remember and Reflect on the events of September 11, two thousand and one, a day we simply call nine eleven," she said.

Students took center stage to present an adapted version of President Joe Biden’s Proclamation to the Nation. Jaelon Carter, Sarah Renee Richardson, and Brelon Tanksley each delivered moving passages that underscored the significance of the day.

Carter reflected on the tragedy, stating, "Twenty-three years ago, on September eleventh, two thousand and one, two thousand, nine hundred seventy-seven precious lives were ripped from us in an evil attack on our Nation. Today we renew the vow to Never Forget. Never forget the loved ones we lost, the first responders who ran toward the rubble, and the countless patriots who joined to serve in the years following."

Richardson continued the tribute by honoring the courage of those involved in the immediate response and recovery efforts. 

"Today we remember those who were lost and pray for those who still bear the wounds from that September morning,” she said. “We also reflect on the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the families and first responders at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and on Flight 93."

Brelon Tanksley concluded the students' reflections with a call to action: "Let us remember, reflect, and renew. Remember the lives lost. Reflect on the changed lives that remain. And let us renew our faith in one another."

On 9/11, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out against the United States, resulting in one of the deadliest days in American history..

The attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people, including:
• 2,753 people in New York City
• 184 at the Pentagon
• 40 in Pennsylvania

Additionally, all 19 terrorist hijackers died in the attacks.