Seventeen years later, the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, resonate with those who remember, and those who were too young to be aware or those yet to be born.
At L.G. Pinkston High School, a Tuesday morning ceremony before school began brought together staff and students in JROTC, band and from nearby elementary schools along with members of the Dallas ISD Police Department, Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire-Rescue. The event included the lowering of the U.S. flag, a flag-folding ceremony, lighting of candles and a wreath-laying.
After a moment of silence, the major events of the terrorist attacks in 2001 were outlined and punctuated by lights and sirens on emergency vehicles parked in front of the school.
Capt. Fernando Acuna of Dallas Fire Rescue was the special guest speaker. “You never know where life will take you,” he said, recounting his own childhood in poverty, later graduating from college, getting married and moving to Texas. He challenged students to give back to their communities. “One day, the adults in front of you and standing behind you will retire, and do what retired people do. It is up to you to take our places.”
W.T. White High School JROTC cadets participated in recent related events as well.
Eight cadets from the school ran in the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run on Sept. 9 in Dallas in support of first-responders. Cadet Capt. Hector Contreras posted a 19-minute time in the 5K to take first place overall. Also this past weekend, 15 cadets supported the 8th annual Helping Our Heroes gala at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum.
