New Visions Elementary School's K-4 grade classes gathered around the school's peace pole on Sept. 7 for the its annual "Heroes Day," which commemorates those who lost their lives 17 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001.
Attending the ceremony were New Visions staff, members of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, and members of the Freeport police and fire departments.
New Visions Principal Connie Malcolm-Grant began the ceremony by thanking members of the police and fire departments for their extraordinary bravery that day.
"We stand here in unity wearing red, white and blue, the colors of our flag, to celebrate our country, where we can promote peace by respecting each other regardless of the color of our skin, gender and regardless of our beliefs," Malcolm-Grant said. "We can never repay you for the sacrifices that you make every day, but we surely can honor you by being good citizens, who love ourselves, who love others and love our country."
Fourth-grade dual-language student Jennah Newton took to the podium to read her "A Heroes" poem to her fellow classmates and community members.
Miguel Bermudez, chief of police for the Freeport Police Department, and Julius Ellison, chief of the Freeport Fire Department, also addressed the crowd of young faces, urging students to never forget those who passed away on that day, and stressed the importance to listen to their parents and teachers.
Dr. Kuncham also took a moment to thank members of the Freeport police and fire departments. "Many of them were there 17 years ago when it happened. They were involved directly in rescue operations, saving lives and they continue to do that, so we thank our heroes for what they do every day."
In addition to his speech, Dr. Kuncham told students to always keep love and kindness at the forefront.
"Treat everyone the way you want to be treated, make sure you don't tolerate anything that's not right happening around you, be friends with everyone, understand each other and spread that within you and among the rest of all of us," Dr. Kuncham said. "May peace be in our schools, in our community, in our country, in the world, and in the universe."
