Understanding Patriot’s Day
•September 16, 2015•
First Responders honored
By Mike Brothers
Even though many of the Sullivan High School and Middle School students who assembled in the gym for Patriot’s Day were too young to remember the attack on America they went away Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 with a better understanding of what it means.
Rebecca Lawson’s high school Career English students made sure of that honoring first responders from Sullivan Police, Fire and Ambulance Service along with the Moutrie County Sheriff’s Dept. and National Guard in an afternoon of song and reflection.
Illinois National Guard recruiter and keynote speaker David Kiefer had been called up when 9/11 happened and recalled what it was like.”It was a time that changed my life forever,” he began. “Instead of that attack on our freedom breaking us, everyone pulled together to prove what a great nation we live in,” Kiefer told the assembly.
Career English student David Conklin worked with classmates since the beginning of school on this program. “What I didn’t realize is just how much that attack brought this country together then,” Conklin commented.
Jordan Tuttle explained that each of the individual first responders were presented with gift bags prepared by students and community members. A reception honoring attending Sullivan first responders and Illinois National Guard was held in the media center prior to the program.
Each basket contained treats from the Sullivan Baking Brigade, who baked for the Illinois National Guard training in Sullivan a few weeks ago, and notes from 150 high school and middle school students thanking the first responders for their service to the community.
Aryn Rousser is a14 year old freshman who performed the original song “Twenty-four/Seven” for the Patriot Day assembly.
“Miss Lawson wrote the lyrics to the song honoring the great service of first responders,” Rousser said, noting freshman Dylan Sanders wrote the music.
Additional music included “You Raise Me Up” by Grant King and Dani Boyer, accompanied by Kelly Sullivan and “Danny Boy” by Emilee Elder, accompanied by Dylan Sanders.