"For your parents, your teachers, and myself, each of us knows exactly where we were when we heard that news. The days that unfolded after that event brought great uncertainty. Our nation grieved and, as tragedy often does, the attacks brought us closer as a country."
Last Friday, High School Principal Mr. Tom Campbell delivered these remarks to a hushed crowd in Don Thomas Stadium, where students, teachers and local first responders gathered to remember the victims of 9/11. During the ceremony, Social Studies teacher Mr. Ziegler recounted learning of the terrorist attacks while in high school and how the days afterwards inspired him to serve in the Army following graduation. Exeter Police Chief Wendell Morris then presented Officer Rocco DeCamillo with a flag to honor his three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout the morning's ceremony, Exeter musicians provided a moving and patriotic background with the concert choir singing the national anthem, Emily Holliday playing a violin solo and the marching band performing "God Bless America."
At the end of the ceremony, Mr. Campbell reminded students to talk to their parents and teachers to gain a better understanding of the day's significance and be appreciative of the sacrifices that others have made on our behalf.