ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Dec. 18, 2001, just two months after the terrorist attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., Congress designated Sept. 11 Patriot Day to commemorate the anniversary of those attacks.

In 2009, Sept. 11 was also designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, encouraging Americans to honor those lost through service to others.

Friday morning at the school’s annual Patriot Day program, Cottonwood Elementary Principal Traci Mettlen said 25 years have since Sept. 11, 2001, yet the memories of that day and its aftermath remain deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of Americans.

Mettlen shared a quote from then President George W. Bush as he addressed the nation that evening.

“Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America,” she said reading the president’s quote. “These acts shattered stell, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”

Mettlen said 25 years later, those words continue to remind everyone of the strength and resilience of the country.

“We remember the thousands of innocent lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001,” she said. “We honor the first responders who ran toward danger when others were running away. We recognize our active-duty military members and veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation, and we remember all those who have given their lives in the line of duty.”

Most importantly, though, Mettlen acknowledged the responsibility to teach children about 9/11.

“None of the students standing before us today were alive when the attacks occurred,” she said. “It is now our responsibility to make sure they understand not only the tragedy of that day, but also what happened in the days that followed – the courage, compassion, patriotism and unity shown by Americans across our country. Twenty-five years later, we remember. We honor, and we will never forget.”