High Schools Take Lead in 9/11 Ceremonies

Thousands of flags are going up at two high schools in Milton today, preparing the schools for memorial services to commemorate lives lost in the attacks on 9/11.

Milton police, fire, staff and elected officials will support the two student-led ceremonies on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

"It is our duty to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2011," said Milton police Chief Deborah Harrell in a news release today. "The local youth taking on these projects are truly special, and deserve to be supported fully."

Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar agreed.

"We're proud to take part in these ceremonies," said Edgar. "That our young people are the ones carrying them out just makes it more special."

Milton High Holding Fifth Annual Memorial

Milton High senior vice president Zach Bailey is organizing the fifth year of Milton's Sept. 11 display, according to the news release from Milton. From 4-9 p.m. today, Sept. 10, Bailey will place 2,997 flags on the front lawn of the school – one for each life lost during the attacks. He'll have help from members of local Boy Scout troops and the Milton High School Beta Club, Spanish National Honor Society, cross country team, French National Honor Society and National Honor Society.

On Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 7:45 a.m., there will be a short memorial service to commemorate the lives lost in the attacks. Milton junior Jason Byrd will sing the national anthem accompanied by senior cellist Madeline Steffenson. The event will conclude with "Taps" by Milton senior trumpet section leader Cara McDermott.

All aspects of the event are open to the public, said Bailey, and residents are invited to reflect on the display throughout the day. 

"Our goal is to make an impact," said Bailey. "So many people have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and this event is a great way for our nation's future leaders to keep their memories alive while showing how much we appreciate all that has been done to make our country what it is today."

Cambridge High Sophomore Enlists Community Help

Cambridge High sophomore Caroline Willis enlisted the Cambridge cross-country and cheerleading teams, the Hopewell Middle School Jr. Betas and local Cub Scout troops to help organize a complimentary flag display at the new school.

"As one of the last generations of students to remember the tragedies of Sept.11, it is important that we keep the awareness for it alive," she said,"especially for those who may not have been old enough to understand what took place that day."

Willis and her group will place also 2,977 American flags on the front lawn of Cambridge High School. The community is invited to visit the memorial throughout the day to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to the men and women who have been fighting for our country, oversees and within the nation, ever since.

In addition to the flag display, on the morning of Sept. 11, the Cambridge chorus will be singing the National Anthem through the announcements.

For more information about this effort, email Christina Willis or call 770-815-9295.