Waving flags and carrying signs, Killeen ISD elementary school students paused midweek to walk beneath overcast skies and half-mast flags in honor of heroes.
Wednesday marked the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, the terrorist attack against America in 2001.
At Cedar Valley Elementary School in Killeen, fourth-grade teacher Gloria Storey, a retired soldier of 22 years’ service in the US Army, shared with students the courage of first responders and the unity Americans demonstrate in difficult times.
Kindergarten students sang of their country and fifth-graders led students in a parade past a parked Killeen Fire Department truck and around the campus building.
“Our hearts are heavy with the weight of memory and sorrow,” said Storey, speaking to students assembled on the blacktop behind the school.
“Our hearts are also filled with an enduring sense of unity and resilience,” she said.
Tragedy brought destruction, but also compassion and strength, the former soldier and teacher recalled.
“We honor the incredible acts of bravery and sacrifice that emerged from the ashes of that day – the first responders, the firefighters, the police officers and ordinary citizens risked their lives to save others demonstrating the best of humanity.”
“It was about celebrating the soldiers who died in war and America,” said Amayah Abram, a Cedar Valley fifth grade student.
“It was nice. I liked the speech about America, how we should celebrate people who died for our country.”
The parade was “to celebrate the people who lost their lives fighting for others,” said Calysta Morrison, also a fifth-grader.
At Skipcha Elementary School in Harker Heights, students marched out the front of the school building, past Harker Heights police officers and vehicles and a large group of family members.
“It was a parade to honor veterans and what they did for us and America,” said fifth-grader Samantha Sullivan.
“I think it’s a day to honor veterans whether they are with us or not,” she said of the occasion the calendar calls Patriot Day.
“There was police and military out there and government out there,” she said. “We just want to honor everyone who helped. It was really fun.”
The Skipcha student said she was surprised by the crowd of people watching the school parade.
Along with parents and city police a contingent of adopt-a-school soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment walked with students.
Schools across the school district hosted freedom walks and assemblies and Killeen ISD hosted its 18th annual community Freedom Walk at Leo Buckley Stadium.
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