Bloom Township High School Remembers Its Own on 9/11

As the annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony was about to begin, rain fell like teardrops.

The remembrance service was brought inside to the Bloom auditorium. Chicago Heights police and fire officials joined some of the Bloom High School students as they paid tribute to those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as three lives lost at home.

Bloom principal, Rhona Israel welcomed all with a special mention of honored Bloom graduates in attendance such as Mayor David Gonzalez (Class of 1979), Police Chief Michael Camilli (Class of 1973), Commander Charles Guiliani (Class of 1977), Acting Fire Chief James Angell (Class of 1977), Glen Giannetti (Class of 1973) and others. 

In part of her speech, Israel thanked her students for helping to plan the event.

"Our students are to be commended for their remarkable efforts in the planning and coordination of today's memorial service that serves to remind us of the struggles and sacrifices to keep our nation safe," Israel said. "There is no greater sacrifice than the sacrifice of one's life...and there is no progress without great sacrifices. We must not forget  and we must continue to remember and honor those ultimate sacrifices."

Bloom student, Cadet Lt. Sarah Mann read a poem titled, Why:

Grief and sorrow struck this nation

in an unexplainable way,

Leaving us surrounded by tears and sorrow

and only one thing left to say.

Why?

Why did this have to happen?

What did we do that was so wrong?

Why did you have to take our loved ones?

How do we replace what is gone?

But we will not go quietly.

We will stand up and fight.

United we will stand together

for what is true, for what is right.

Hero's rose out of the ashes

to save a life we thought was lost,

never thinking of what might happen

never caring what the cost.

They didn't do it for the glory,

they didn't do it for the fame,

they only did what they knew was right,

they are our hero's that have no name.

United we can build a better tomorrow,

let us finish what they began to start,

let us say a prayer for them together,

and keep them close in our heart.

Three people were honored at memorial ceremony; Susan Sauer, Danielle Dennis-Towne and George Gonzales.  

LTJG Elizabeth Flores read a tribute to Susan Sauer, a 48-year-old Bloom graduate that was killed in the World Trade Center attacks.

"Not only has this event struck the hearts of New York, but it has also hit close to home," Flores said. "(Susan) was managing director for Marsh and McLennan. Sauer planned on returning home to Chicago that Tuesday. Sadly, Sauer and hundreds of March and McLennan employees never made it out of the North building. This shows that the attack of that one city, made an impact on the rest of the country. Today we would like to remember her and all the people who were killed in those buildings, planes and debris."

Bloom student and Company Commander C/CDR Santiago Guzman dedicated the Memorial service to two Bloom students who lost their lives over the past year.  

NJROTC Company Commander Danielle Dennis-Towne, 19, after graduating from .

"Danielle was visiting a childhood friend out in western Virginia when her life was ended prematurely," Guzman said. "She planned on attending Ripon College in Wisconsin this fall."

After paying tribute to Dennis-Towne, Guzman mentioned the many accomplishments of another 19 year old that passed away, George Antonio Gonzales Jr.

"George passed away June 16, 2011," Guzman said. "Anyone would tell you he was a goofy, fun and caring friend. George was a member of our own Bloom NJROTC program, Bloom's cross country team and National Honor Society. He was attending and volunteering at . At only 19 years old George had so much ahead of him."

Israel revealed a Remembrance 9/11 wreath featuring the names of Bloom graduates serving in the armed forces. The audience took a moment of silence to remember the fallen.