September 11
th will forever mark the anniversary of the worst terrorist attack our nation has known.
As we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11,
Wacona Elementary School is ensuring that its students, the majority of whom were not yet born and did not bear witness to the attacks, do not take for granted the sacrifices that were made or the lives that were lost.
On Friday, September 9, Wacona held its third annual “America Remembers 9/11” program. This program was a heart-felt display of patriotism and a celebration of all of the heroes that serve here in
Ware County. The program began with a grand procession by the third-grade students, who marched in waving flags.
After a warm welcome by Wacona Principal Dr. Jackie Turner, the audience was led in prayer by Pastor Lloyd McCullar of
Bible Heritage Church. Pastor McCullar prayed for our nation and for the soldiers who serve our country around the world.
The JROTC from
Ware County High School looked impressive as they marched up the center aisle in their dress uniforms to present arms, led by Sgt. Rivera. The audience stood and was led in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Star-Spangled Banner.
Mr. John Chancey, Assistant Principal at Wacona, introduced the special guests in attendance. Guests included: Sheriff Randy Royal; Bill Parham, Director of EMS; EMS workers Constance Sartain, Brandon Hall, Mike Harrison, Brandy Cothren, Deione Payne, Rebbeca Gordon, John Alvey, and J.D. Johnson; members of Ware County Fire Rescue LT. Charles Barnard, Justin Ennis, Drew McCarthy, and Leon Davis; Captain Joe Morris, Deputy Clinton Foster, and Deputy Brian Newman of the Ware County Sherriff’s Office; Lynn Brookshire, RN from the Ware County Health Department; SSG Egerton and Ray Sellers of the U.S. Army; Fire Marshall Ricky Roach; Ricky Hale of the U.S. Navy; Jay Milton of the U.S. Marines; Senior Trooper Ray Strickland and TFC Josh Taylor of the Georgia State Patrol; Michael Harrison, Paramedic and Rebecca Gordon, EMT-I of the Ware County EMS; Sgt. Riverra of the Ware JROTC, Lloyd McCullar, Pastor of Bible Heritage Church, Mayor Clarence Billups, Ware County School Superintendant Dr. Joseph Barrow; and Board of Education members Rusty Ganas and Barry Deas.
Four very special video presentations were shown at different points in the program. “What is a Hero?” was a touching video featuring students from different grade levels giving their definition of a hero. Many of the students said that their hero is their mom or dad, while others listed firemen and police officers as their heroes. One child said “My hero is the president because he makes the laws that are right for our country.” In the second video, “Where Were You,” various community members talked about where they were during the attack and their initial reaction. “Remembering 9/11” was a touching montage of pictures from that tragic day, combined with Mariah Carey’s song “Hero.” “Community Heroes” was a similar video with pictures of many local heroes that have helped with the wildfires in our community.
Throughout the program, the students sang patriotic songs such as “God Bless
America” and “My Country Tis of Thee.”
Fourth-grade student Leigh Ann Ard read a poem entitled “One” by Cheryl Sawyer.
Leigh Ann was selected to speak because she was born on September 11, 2001.
The special speaker at the program was Ware County Sheriff Randy Royal. Sheriff Royal described being in
Jacksonville the day before 9/11 and seeing Air Force One land at the airport as President George W. Bush was arriving to visit an elementary school the following day.
He went on to tell about being at work on the morning of September 11 and watching events unfold on TV with Sheriff McQuaig and other office staff. Royal also commented that “in addition to police officers and fire fighters, our armed forces are true heroes.” Toward the end of his address, Royal explained that
Ware County had acquired five military humvees to help with local wildfires in remote areas.
The humvees were previously used in war zones in
Afghanistan and
Iraq.
Two of these military vehicles were brought to Wacona for the students to see.
A very touching moment of silence was held, at which time the sound of Taps could be heard playing from outside.
Ware County senior Michael Smith did an excellent job of playing this sentimental song on his trumpet. In closing remarks, Mr. Riley Oden pointed out to the students that many of them would grow up to be heroes and that they should continue to work hard in school. He reminded them that we are all part of one big family. The program ended on a positive note as the song “We Are Family” played and students sang and danced along.
After the program, the guests were invited to a special reception that was held in the media center. The media center was decorated in red, white, and blue. Students from Wacona’s National Elementary Honor Society had made centerpieces for the tables and the teachers prepared all of the food. Without a doubt, this years’ program was a huge success. The staff at Wacona would like to thank everyone who came and shared in this special program.
