Ensuring the next generation will never forget

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Solomon Cook
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Around the country, Americans gather on the anniversary of 9/11 to remember those who fell during the terrorist attacks.

One memorial occurred at Breakfast Point Academy where first responders, service members, community leaders and students gathered to watch the local Boy Scouts of America troop raise the American Flag to half-staff.

"We reached out to our local fire and police departments and emergency management services and invited them to attend," said Clint Whitfield, Breakfast Point Academy vice principal. "We also contacted our military school liaison, Lynda Brown, who helped get our military involved. We asked the teachers to create cards and banners for our service members and first responders. Additionally, I asked our local Boy Scout troop to perform the flag raising ceremony."

During the memorial ceremony, community members, teachers, students, police and fire departments, EMS and all branches of the military were represented and those that wanted to speak were given the opportunity, Whitfield added.

"What this anniversary means to me is paying respect and honor to all the people who were killed on that day, especially all the first responders killed trying to save others," Joe Cocco, Panama City Beach Fire Rescue battalion chief. "On this day I pray for comfort for all the families who lost a loved one. My hope is to send them these prayers of healing and encouragement to not lose heart,"

Breakfast Point Academy administrators planned the 9/11 observance as an educational opportunity - because none of their grade school age students were born before Sept. 11, 2001.

"None of the students were alive when this tragedy occurred," said Whitfield. "It is important for our children to understand the attacks on freedom that have occurred, and what our country does to preserve their rights and freedoms. I think it helps to create a sense of passion and appreciation for the country we live in as we honor those who fight to defend us every day."

"It truly pulled my heartstrings to see our students interact so well with our guests," Whitfield added. "I think it is important to teach our children to appreciate those who give of themselves daily. It also made me very proud to watch my students show their appreciation through cards, banners, hugs, high fives, and smiles."

Whitfield concluded with the importance of having a memorial for the victims of 9/11.

"Memorials such as this have occurred at Breakfast Point Academy since the school opened in 2008 and have grown each year," said Whitfield. "I believe this year's memorial service was a tremendous success. It brought our community together with our service members. It is extremely important for our children to be involved with events like this, and they are still talking about it."