ROBERT PIERCE
• Leader & Times
Nearly two and a half decades have past since two planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, and for many, the images of the day are still fresh in their minds.
Since 2003, Liberal’s Cottonwood Elementary School has honored those who died that fateful day, as well as first responders and military with its annual Patriot Day program, and music teacher Aspen Jaramillo-Martinez’s students have spent the early part of this school year learning patriotic songs for this year’s event scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 in the school’s north parking lot.
At the time 9/11 happened, Jaramillo-Martinez was 2 years old, and she said planning for Patriot Day means more with each passing year.
“It’s not just teaching songs,” she said. “It’s teaching respect and remembrance.”
Jaramillo-Martinez said working with her students on Patriot Day has deepened her interest and understanding of 9/11 in a big way.
“Preparing to teach them about such an important event has led me to learn more about the stories of the heroes, the sacrifices made and the impact it had on our country,” she said. “It has reminded me how important it is to pass that knowledge on to the next generation with care and respect.”
Jaramillo-Martinez said it is truly an honor to be able to recognize heroes through music.
“Teaching students songs that pay tribute to our first responders, military and those we lost on 9/11 is a powerful experience,” she said. “It allows us to say ‘thank you’ in a meaningful way, and it helps students connect with the values of courage, service and unity. It’s a privilege to guide them in understanding and expressing that respect through something as impactful as music.”
For her students, Jaramillo-Martinez said Patriot Day is a powerful way to connect with history.
“Even at their age, they really feel the meaning behind the music, and it gives them a chance to honor real heroes in a way that’s heartfelt and meaningful,” she said.
Jaramillo-Martinez said she feels Patriot Day is a time to honore the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, military and all the innocent lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
“It’s also a reminder of how our country came together in a time of tragedy,” she said. “As a music teacher, I see it is an opportunity to help students express gratitude and unity through music and to teach them about the importance of compassion, bravery and resilience.”
New for this year’s Patriot Day event, students from Liberal’s Prairie View Elementary will also be taking part in the program, and Jaramillo-Martinez said bringing those students in was an exciting decision because it brings more students together to honor first responders, military and 9/11 heroes.
“Having them join means a bigger, more unified event that highlights community spirit,” she said. “It will definitely add energy and a stronger sense of togetherness, making the event even more meaningful for everyone involved.”
As she was still in her early years at the time of 9/11, Jaramillo-Martinez said she has learned about the events of the day from those who witnessed it firsthand, which gives her a deep appreciation for how important it is to pass on that knowledge, and she brings this experience when teaching today’s students about Sept. 11, 2001.
“Teaching this generation, who didn’t live through it, means I have to find ways to make the event meaningful and relatable without overwhelming them,” she said. “Each year, it can be challenging because the memories aren’t as fresh, but it also makes it even more important to keep the stories and lessons alive through music and conversations.”
Sept. 11, 2026, will mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and while she is already planning for that edition of Patriot Day, Jaramillo-Martinez said she cannot divulge any information at this time.
“The only thing I can say is it will be extremely special,” she said.
