9/11 is a day when, what is widely considered as, the worst terrorist attack on American soil took place. On this day, several airplanes crashed within hours of each other, leading to more than 2900 fatalities. Two planes at the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and one on a field in Pennsylvania. It is a day that is always sorrowful, as we remember all of the lives that were lost. Here at SRA, we not only remember that day, but also appreciate and recognize those who work to protect our country.

SRA hosts an annual ceremony on 9/11. First responders, members of law enforcement and veterans are invited to walk through the hallways of the school. This is where they are met with a respectful round of applause from students, faculty, and staff. At this year’s 9/11 ceremony, the Cadet Corps Color Guard posted the flags and Wynter Pepper (an 11th grade student at SRA) sang “The National Anthem.” Fire Captain, Steve Blackburn, from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, gave a moving speech as he talked about how his friend was one of the heroes lost during the World Trade Center attacks. He also mentioned how all of our firefighters, police, and paramedics do everything they can to protect us, sometimes sacrificing their own lives in the process. During the final part of his speech, Captain Blackburn encouraged everyone to “be a boss.” This simply means to look out for and take care of each other. This feeling of unity is what helped everyone during the aftermath of 9/11. Through the 9/11 ceremony, SRA works to recreate that same feeling of unity, so that no one will ever forget the day that changed America forever.