Nearly 3,000 small American flags lined the grounds of S.S. Palmer Elementary School in Palmerton on Friday morning, one for each of the 2,977 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The flags set the backdrop as sixth graders, community leaders and first responders gathered in front of the school’s flagpole for a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil.

Mayor Bo Rodrigues, who was a college student on that September morning in 2001, told students he remembers exactly where he was.

“For me, September 11th isn’t just something I learned about in history,” Rodrigues said. “It was a Tuesday. I remember going to my first class, and the TV was on. The first plane had already hit one of the towers. We thought it was an accident.”

As the morning unfolded, the gravity of what was happening slowly became clear. Principal Marlena Stroup said the lessons of that day remain essential even for students who weren’t yet born.

“On that day, firefighters, police officers, first responders and ordinary citizens demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion and a commitment to helping others,” Stroup said. “Their actions remind us of the powerful impact we can have when we choose to serve, support and care for one another.”

Rodrigues, who played football for Muhlenberg College, said the attacks became personal in another way. His team had flown out of Newark Airport to California just days before; the same destination as several of the hijacked flights.

“All four of the hijacked planes were bound for California,” he said. “I remember thinking that could have been my plane.”

Josh Nenscel, the district’s elementary dean of students and a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran, told students that the courage shown on 9/11 is something they can practice every day at school.

“Even though it was a terrible day, something incredible happened right afterward,” Nenscel said. “Across America, people didn’t run away from each other; they came together. Neighbors helped neighbors. Strangers reached out to lend a hand.”

To help students understand the weight of a day that preceded their births, Rodrigues drew a parallel to something within their own memory.

“Think about COVID,” he said. “When many of you were very young, you probably remember things being canceled, wearing masks, or not being able to see people. Now imagine 25 years from now, you’re talking to sixth graders who weren’t alive when COVID happened.”

Stroup said the anniversary carries a message that applies inside the classroom as well as beyond it.

“September 11th reminds us that even in challenging times, people come together with strength and hope,” Stroup said. “It teaches us that kindness matters, and that every person has the ability to make a difference through small acts of being safe, respectful and responsible.”

Nenscel told students that heroism does not require a uniform.

“When I wore my military uniform, whether in the Army or the Air Force, I was proud to protect our country,” he said. “But being a hero doesn’t always require a uniform. You show courage when you stand up for a friend who’s being teased. You show service when you help someone carry their books or include someone sitting alone at lunch.”

Rodrigues told students that marking the anniversary is about more than the tragedy itself, and placed it in the context of the nation’s 250th year.

“Remembering 9/11 isn’t only about remembering what happened,” Rodrigues said. “It’s about remembering how people responded.”

He said students are the next chapter in that longer American story.

“You don’t have to remember September 11th to honor it,” Rodrigues said. “You just have to remember the people, and remember the lessons that they left us.”

Nenscel closed his remarks with a challenge to the students.

“September 11 teaches us that no matter how difficult things get, hope, bravery and unity will always see us through,” he said. “Today, as we remember the heroes of 9/11, let’s promise to be the kind of people who choose to help others whenever we get the chance.”

Among those recognized at the ceremony were Palmerton Assistant Fire Chief Chris Weiss and Palmerton Police Chief Timothy Kromer, both of whom were in attendance.

“Thank you for all your dedicated service to our community and for the many ways you work each day to keep our families, schools and neighborhoods safe,” student emcee Ben Goodbred said.

Goodbred and fellow student emcee Elise Molchan led the program, which opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The school chorus, directed by Isabelle Beedle, performed “America the Beautiful” and the national anthem. Beedle and student Lucy Brown played taps to close the ceremony.

“September 11th,” Goodbred said, “reminds us of the importance of kindness, compassion, courage and stewardship.”