NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
September 9, 2011 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Honoring our Nation’s Heroes
WALNUT, CA—On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 several Walnut Valley Schools hosted the following remembrance ceremonies on Friday, September 9.
Collegewood Elementary School gathered for a patriotic assembly. Boy Scout pack #722 den #4 led an opening flag ceremony and second grade teacher Elvonne Vance performed the national anthem.
Teacher Lori Huckler read a statement about the 9/11 attacks written by first grade teacher and event organizer Laura O’Donnell. Here is an excerpt: They thought by harming our country they would make us fall part. The opposite happened. We were frightened and sad, but instead of falling a part we came together. American flags were everywhere – they flew from businesses, homes, and people’s cars. Everyone wanted to show we were proud to be American. And we made our country safer to let them know that Americans don’t just fall apart when bad things happen.
“On Sunday 9/11, we need to remember the people that died and their families We need to remember the soldiers, the firefighters, and the police officers who keep our country safe. And most of all we need to remember that we are lucky to be American and to live in the land of the free and home of the brave,” the message concluded.
Each grade level performed a patriotic song and then joined together to sing the finale “Let There Be Peace on Earth”. Children swayed to the music and waved tiny flags under the shade of the trees in the primary playground area.
Shown:
Kindergarteners singing " Proud to Be an American, Proud to Be a Cougar”.
1st graders performed "This Land is Your Land".
2nd graders waved flags singing " I Would Love”.
5th graders showed their patriotic spirit during the song "Grand Ole Flag".