September 11, 2001 was one of the most tragic days in United States history. Now, 16 years later, we, as a country, take the day to recognize its significance and remember all who were affected by it. Thankfully, South did just that.

We started our morning announcements, read by senior Annaleigh Hobbs, with the weekly Pledge of Allegiance. 

“I would like all of us to take a moment to recall the events of September 11, 2001. On this date in 2001, a series of terrorist attacks destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center and severely damaged the Pentagon,” Hobbs said in remembrance, “Commercial airliners were hijacked and flown directly into the three buildings. On this day we remember our fallen American heroes who tragically died as a result of these attacks.  I ask all of you to observe a moment of silence at this time in their honor.”

And we did. The entire school took a short moment of silence to remember those 2,996 people who died – all the loved ones, travelers on the hijacked planes, first responders, and even the families who were affected by the event. She concluded with a kind thank you, and continued with daily announcements.

It is so incredibly remarkable that the school took the time to remember this day and all that it entails considering not every school in the country did. A high school sophomore in Arizona, Cameron Teel, said her school didn’t recognize the day at all.

“No teachers at my school even mentioned 9/11 today and some kids during the Pledge of Allegiance didn’t even stand up,” Teel said.

Every single American should take a moment, at least once every year, to remember what happened on September 11, 2001. This isn’t a political matter, either. September 11th is and always should be an important day for Americans. Not for Republicans. Not for Democrats. For Americans and American history.