Schools remember September 11th

Tulsa area schools commemorated September 11th in many different ways. But News on Six reporter Ashli Sims explains they had one thing in common. <br><br>Paul Derrick, Union JROTC: "We raised the flags

Wednesday, September 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa area schools commemorated September 11th in many different ways. But News on Six reporter Ashli Sims explains they had one thing in common.

Paul Derrick, Union JROTC: "We raised the flags as a tribute to all of the events of September 11th that happened and itâ€™s a new tradition that'll keep going for all the years to come." Three colors dominated school campuses and three letters spelled why.

Old glory flew at half-staff, and more than 100 junior ROTC students led their school in remembrance. Jennie Berry, Union JROTC: "I thought it was so cool and I'm just happy that a lot of kids came and saw it." Union High School students took time out to strike a somber note.

But other area schools did not mark the day with an assembly to keep it as normal as possible for the children. Jenks was one of them, but several students gathered to honor some local heroes. Carlie Gilroy, Jenks 8th Grader: "We are honored that they're here with us and we just wanted to show some of our appreciation and we got up early and we just wanted to make them feel special today."

Kids expressed themselves in other ways, wearing their feelings, writing their thoughts and sharing with others. Jessica Riley, Union 8th Grader: "I thought it was really important and this morning we went to the flag pole and we prayed then we went into the assembly." Aubrey Gladish, Union 8th Grader: "I think its time for reflecting on that time and thinking about how we'll react in the future."

Shreela Palit, Union 8th Grader: "I think the assembly we had and everything really brought everyone together." Chris Johnson, Union 8th Grader: "Everybody came together and no one messed around it was serious."

The mood even affected the youngest students. And even as these students planted a permanent reminder of the day the towers fell, they sent up their hopes and prayers as only children can.