Reed Reprises Sept. 11 Message
Moment of silence marks return to high school observance of Sept. 11 anniversary
The high school’s flags fly at at staff to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Interim Principal James Reed addressed the school second period today.
As the American flag flew at half staff this morning , Interim Principal James Reed led the high school in a moment of silence.
Reed’s commemorative statement, delivered shortly after the start of second period via PA, was the first Sept. 11 observance at the high school in years and surprised veteran students and faculty.
“I wanted students to understand that the victims of 9/11 were average, everyday people going about their business on that day,” said Reed, whose statement was unique to the high school and received positive reviews from students.
“I’m shocked it hasn’t happened previously,” said senior Peter Zagara. “It’s what should have been done.”
Scott Stephens, executive director of communications and public relations, said that Sept. 11 observances vary from school to school and principal to principal.
“The events have been a watershed moment for American lives for the past 14 years,” said Reed, who made such announcements a tradition at his previous post as a principal at Cleveland Heights High School.
The full text of Reed’s statement:
Good morning. This is Mr. Reed. Fourteen years ago at this very hour, American life was forever changed. On that horrific morning, almost 3,000 Americans lost their lives — husbands,wives and children who said goodbye to family members and never returned home because of an event that altered personal destinies. Those killed were truly an American profile — male and female, old and young, rich and poor, black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Arabic — all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Their sacrifice changed America and the world. May we never forget. Please join me in a moment of silence for those thousands of Americans who died on this day 14 years ago.
