A Patriot Day tribute

Although the students at Willoughby Middle School weren’t born when the tragic events of 9/11 took place, this school year they celebrated Patriot Day with a one-of-a-kind remembrance.

Partnering with the Freedom Flag Foundation, the school is proud to fly the Freedom Flag, our nation’s only codified 9/11 flag of remembrance, and received a steel artifact recovered at the World Trade Center Tower 1’s Ground Zero in New York City.

Led by sixth graders during the 9/11 Patriot Day ceremony at the middle school, the flag was raised as a reminder of the victims, heroes and survivors of that day. First responders from the Willoughby Fire Department and Police Department were also in attendance.

According to Principal Jim Greene, the project has two goals: to provide schools and teachers with a unique educational platform to teach current K-12 students about the events of 9/11, and to elevate the Freedom Flag to a national symbol of remembrance.

“For students, engaging in remembrance activities is a chance to understand that 9/11 was not just a date in history, but a moment that reshaped lives, communities and the nation,” says Principal Greene. 

History teacher Chris Culek, who was instrumental in bringing the flag and artifact to his school, adds, “Students begin to see themselves as part of a larger story—one where remembering the past helps guide their values and actions today.”

The Freedom Flag was created in Richmond, Virginia, and became Virginia’s Official Flag of Remembrance for 9/11. It has been flown or displayed in nearly 2,000 schools, fire stations and civic buildings in all 50 states. The flag remained up last month and was given to the school to keep.

“WMS is the only middle school in Ohio that has the steel artifact displayed on loan and we are very proud of that,” says Chris. “This is such an honor for the school district and rare chance to bring history alive for students and adults.”

Look for these monthly stories to cover topics from grades K-12 in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools System. For details, visit WESchools.org.