West Essex Regional Schools Remembers September 11th Anniversary

West Essex Regional Schools observed the 12th Anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks to educate students about this tragic event in our country's history. West Essex High School Principal Gary Suda began the ceremony by making remarks over the loudspeaker at 8:46 a.m. "This marks the 12th anniversary of 9/11," he said. "On the morning of September 11, 2001, America experienced several tragic, terrorist attacks, in which innocent civilians perished. We honor the memories of the 2,977 innocent civilians, including West Essex Graduates John P. Salamone and Norman Rosinow, and the military and emergency service personnel who were tragically lost on that horrible day. We will continue to share our sympathies with those who still feel the pain of that day." Principal Suda then asked students and staff to observe a moment of silence in honor of their memory. Suda then accompanied High School Student Council President Greg Contaldi, Secretary Carlysa Oyama, Treasurer Caroline Fiore and Public Relations coordinator Kelly Cousoulis in a walk outside to the September 11 Memorial Garden. Greg carried an arrangement of red, white and blue flowers with an American flag, which he placed in the center of the garden in front of the flagpole and September 11 Memorial Plaque. Principal Suda then dedicated the flowers to the memory of the innocent victims who died on that day. "I think it is important that we continue this tradition every year and remember our graduates," West Essex Superintendent of Schools Barbara Longo said following the ceremony. "Our students were too little to remember it. It is really history for them and we must continue this tradition so they don't forget." For her, Mrs. Longo said she remembers the events of Sept. 11, 2001 like they occurred yesterday. "I feel like they just happened," she said, adding that the high school seniors were in kindergarten in 2001 and all of our other students were even younger. Greg built the West Essex 9/11 Memorial Garden in the courtyard by the high school main entrance two years ago for his Eagle Scout Project. "My Dad was good friends with John P. Salamone," Greg said. "I felt that my school needed something to commemorate this horrific event." Caroline said she is pleased that West Essex "remembers the victims who lost their lives" on that day. And Kelly said she was happy to be a part of the 9/11 ceremony. "I am so pleased that West Essex has a special ceremony to remember all of the people who perished on that day," Carlysa said. West Essex Middle School Principal David Montgomery also made special remarks to Middle School staff and students at the time that the first plane hit the World Trade Center. Everyone observed a moment of silence. Social studies faculty in both schools incorporated September 11 into their lesson plans for the day as well.