“Thank you for your service.”
One by one, Markham Elementary students, who gathered outside the school Monday for the annual Patriot Day 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, thanked Mt. Lebanon’s first responders with a fist bump before returning to class.
The ceremony paid tribute to those who lost their lives and the heroic men and women who risked their lives in response to the unprecedented terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.
“We are gathered here this morning to honor, remember and celebrate the heroes of our nation and the heroes of Mt. Lebanon,” Markham Elementary School Principal Jocelyn Artinger said as she opened the program. “These heroes strive to serve and protect us every day.”
Then, in a shoutout to to Mt. Lebanon police officers, firefighters, EMTs and veterans attending the ceremony, Artinger added, “We are so grateful for your service and everything you have done to keep our community safe.”
Police Chief Jason Haberman reflected on the day and the importance of never forgetting what happened 22 years ago, sentiments echoed by Deputy Fire Chief Rodger Ricciuti, “As the saying goes: ‘never forget’. The world we live in today can change in a heartbeat and I think it’s exceptionally important to remember what happened to help prevent it from ever happening again,” he said.
Both men were honored by the fist bumps and words of thanks they received from Markham students.
“I think it’s fantastic that the kids come out, the school administration supports us, and continues to really show the kids what it’s all about. That’s very important to us and meaningful and so we appreciate it,” Haberman said.
