Campuses Mark 911 With Freedom Walks

Cavazos students raise flagsAt schools across Killeen ISD Monday, students walked alongside teachers, visiting parents and other guests, some waving flags and holding banners in celebration of freedom and everyday heroes that keep us safe.

 

The 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks against America known as 911 still prompts lessons and ceremonies, even among the youngest students.

Cavazos pre-kindergarten students

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Richard E. Cavazos Elementary School, the entire faculty and student body gathered in front of the building, where a group of fifth-graders raised and lowered to half-mast the American and Texas flag.

 

Cavazos Principal Yanitzie Oquendo called the moment a “time to reflect on the lives lost on September 11.”

 

“We remember those who responded,” she said. “We honor veterans both past and present and we renew our commitment to freedom and the values of our country.”

 

The day 22 years ago was sad, and many adults remember it, the principal said to the gathering of students and staff members.

 

“Now we remember our heroes,” she said, as she welcomed and introduced Tracey Brown-Green, representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

 

Brown-Green praised the firefighters and other first responders who labored to help people escape the buildings that fell to the ground that day.

 

“A lot of family members are missing people today,” she said. “We overcame.”

Guests speaker addresses Cavazos Elementary students

 

“Whatever obstacle comes our way, we can join together as one team and get over anything,” she said.

 

After singing the national anthem and listening to the motivational charge, students walked around the perimeter of the school. Some carried paper flags and other handmade decorations.

Cavazos freedom walk

 

At the end, fifth-graders formed a tunnel for the rest of the students to walk through.

 

Oquendo said she wanted to make sure teachers continue to instill American values. Hosting a freedom walk, she said, is a way to demonstrate unity and working together.

 

“What we’re doing today is about 911, the people we lost and the people who serve us,” said fifth-grader Scarlet Helton.

 

“All of the first responders continued to pull through and they continue to protect us.”

 

She said the walk and the lessons of the day were a good way to show respect for all people.

 

Cavazos Elementary School is a Purple Heart School. It is named for the first Hispanic general officer in American history that last year became the namesake of Fort Cavazos.

 

Many schools in KISD hosted freedom walks and other patriotic activities. The district hosted the 17th annual community freedom walk later in the morning.

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