Number of Participants: 8
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $68
Event Type: Veterans & Military Families
Sport: Schools
Date: September 11, 2021
Location:
Smithtown
NY, USA
About:
The Smithtown Central School district marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11 by holding tree-planting ceremonies at both high schools on Sept. 10. The somber ceremonies served as reminders to never forget those who died on the tragic day and also to recognized the sacrifice made by first responders and rescue workers who have since passed away from related illnesses.
In both ceremonies, a matching blue spruce tree provided by a local nursery was planted in remembrance, with students completing the shoveling. The Smithtown, St. James and Nesconset fire departments and color guards, as well as members of American Legion Post 833 and VFW Post 10870, attended. A moment of silence also was observed.
The ceremony at High School West took place at a garden created shortly after 9/11, which displays a steel beam from the World Trade Center.
“I’m both honored and humbled to be with you today for this very special ceremony,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Secaur told students and other attendees during the earlier ceremony. “It’s hard to believe it’s been that long since that fateful day — a day when all gave some, and some gave all. It was a day mixed with honor and horror as well as sacrifice and selflessness. Today we honor the memories of the lives lost that day as well as those lost in the years since.”
Photo captions:
1) Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Secaur addressed ceremony attendees at Smithtown High School East as Principal Kevin Simmons looked on.
2) Members of Smithtown VFW Post 833 attended the ceremony at East.
3) A Smithtown Fire Department color guard participated in the ceremony at High School West.
4) Students at High School West planted a tree to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Photos courtesy of Smithtown Central School District