[ot-caption title=”Mr. Walters opens the 9/11 assembly last Thursday, September 11th.  (via Jack Steinberg, Sophomore)” url=”https://pcpawprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/iPhone-Image-378A90-1024×6851.jpg”]

“Fear and anxiety gripped the nation. But the American spirit prevailed. Heroes were born that day. 9/11 brought us together as Americans and reminded us that we are one.”

Dr. Markham spoke these words when she addressed the Upper School last Thursday at the 9/11 assembly. After opening remarks from Mr. Walters, the PCTV broadcast began with a speech from Dr. Markham reminding students that September 11^th is truly about “service and remembrance.” Based on this guidance from Dr. Markham, the student body was in the midst of participating in events throughout the week that were designed to both support the community and raise student awareness. The assembly was quite moving and inspired Pine Crest students to reflect on those that were lost and the responsibilities of students to the community and to the country.

Even more telling was the following segment that interviewed four Pine Crest faculty members from the New York City and Washington D.C. areas. Mrs. Alexanderson, who was a freshman in college at the time, related her experience, “I saw the second tower crumbling to the ground live. And I promptly fell to the floor and stayed in the fetal position for most of the morning because I was so upset.”

The broadcast covered the long term effects of the attacks, and how that horrible day continues to affect life in New York. PCTV reported that just this week, 13 names were added to the memorial at the New York City Fire Department headquarters. These 13 heroes passed away this year, after being exposed to chemicals while digging through the rubble of the World Trade Center. The PCTV crew asked citizens of New York City what the day was like and the consensus was clear: the details of September 11^th are forever burned into American’s memories, but since then the nation has grown stronger as a whole.

PCTV reported that excluding rescuers, 3,000 people were killed during the attacks of September 11^th. The names of these people are all commemorated in the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center.

It is clear that those victims are also commemorated in the hearts of the American people and the students of Pine Crest, as the next segment revealed the thoughts of PC students on the importance of 9/11.  It was apparent that PC students understand the profound impact that day had on our nation.

The broadcast closed by stressing the importance of participating in service activities to help others around us. It is crucial to understand that the best way to memorialize the brave heroes who passed away on September 11^th is by making this world a better place to live.