Four JROTC members presented our state and national flag to start off our annual 9/11 memorial tribute. Command Sgt. Mjjr. Royce Blanos sounding off and commanded his fellow cadets as they made their way around the main courtyard.

“That day makes me want to join the services because it was such terrible incident,” Blanos said.

9:03 a.m - Desiree Lora sings "The Star-Spangled Banner"

“I was totally unaware that I was going to be singing until 10 minutes before the ceremony, but I felt very proud to sing something on such a momentous day,” Lora said.

9:04 a.m. - Principal Ty Thompson addresses the crowd gathered in the main courtyard

In his speech, Thompson discussed the stories of heroism and how that day brought the country together.

“It was great to see the country come together because it hadn’t come together in a while,” Thompson said.

9:05 a.m. - A Moment of Silence

9:08 a.m. - Sgt. Marco Rizza recalls his experiences in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.

The newly assigned resource Sgt. Marco Rizza gave a speech about his experience in the NYPD on that day. The sergeant went into detail about his experiences that day and the month following.

“Through all the heartache, sadness and horror everyone remained hopeful those days,” Rizza said.

9:10 a.m. - Orchestra and chorus teacher Stewart Rabin performs "Taps"