Polk Elementary School wanted to do something to observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Kindergarten teacher Julie Weiss knew many of the students weren't even born when the horrific events took place in 2001."We wanted to find a way to give honor but do it in a way that was on a level many of our younger students could understand,. We decided to invite local first responders to help bring home what a hero is," she said.So, on Monday, Sept. 12, the whole student body and staff of Polk Elementary, filed outside to patriotic music and faced the flag pole. Facing them was a line of members of their community's first responders. They were Raymond Fitzpatrick, Polk Township Vol. Fire Co. firefighter, Lynn Courtright, Pleasant Valley School District's Security Police Assistant Chief (and former PA State Police corporal), Sgt. Brian Cawley, station manager of Troop N Lehighton, PA State Police, H. Schierloh, Polk Twp. firefighter and Corp. Michael Dugan of Troop N Lehighton PA State Police, holding an American flag with all the names of those who lost their life due to the events on 9/11. Another line of first responders was PA State Police Troopers Rick Williams and Bertino Digregorio of Fern Ridge, Terry Jacoby, Polk Twp. Fire Co.'s chief and Derrick Burger, firefighter, and Dirk Yahraes, PV's Security Police Chief.Polk's principal Joseph Kondisko explained to the student body why the school held the ceremony."Today we remember and honor those who were affected by the events of Sept. 11. The tragedy of this day is sad and a terrible event in American history. However, the challenge it presented, tested the courage and strength of our country. I am proud, and hope you are proud as well, to be a part of this great nation, as in the middle of this tragedy, heroes stepped forward to help those in need. Most of these heroes were not paid to do the job, or even highly trained to handle such a devastating attack. They were people who care about others more than themselves. Heroes are everywhwere around us. We have firefighters who volunteer their time and policeman who put their life on the line."He then read a poem about heroes.Second grade students Naomi Bard, whose father Marvin Bard served a tour of duty in Afghanistan and one in Iraq in the War Against Terror, and Brittany Williams, whose father is Trooper Rick Williams of the PA State Police, Fern Ridge, had carried and held a folded American flag. Mr. Kondisko asked fourth grade twin brothers, Kory and Mychal Kearns (their father, Michael Kearns, is a retired member of the New York Fire Department) to help raise the flag "in honor of our heroes and in memory of those who lost their lives."Everyone gave the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a Moment of Silence "to offer thanks and appreciation for your heroes and those fellow Americans who were affected by the events of Sept. 11."Each student and staff member wore American flag pins given by the school to help them remember all American heroes.