Middle School Marks 9/11 Anniversary

Soon after the 9/11 attacks, students in Diane Veres' class wrote letters to the New York City police and fire departments. Letters of encouragement. Letters of support.

A month later, police and fire officials replied, thanking the children for their kind words in overwhemingly difficult times.

On Friday, Veres read the replies to Hopatcong students as the marked the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

"My intent was to make a connection for the students here in Hopatcong to show how our country needed the support from all ages to heal what the terrorists had done on September 11th," Veres said. "I was very honored to read these letters to the students."

Middle School Principal Lou Benfatti said Veres' presentation was "very moving."

Students packed the gym. Music teacher Matt Testa led the band. Matt Wood played the bagpipes as students went back to class.

Social studies teacher Eric Strand also spoke about the meaning of the anniversary to the students.

"We can never forget how easy it was to take our lives for granted," Strand said after Friday's event. "That was all shattered that day and we should not allow ourselves to be complacement ever again. This isn't history, it is life as we know it today. The students have the opportunity to mature into fine young adults, and their caring and understanding for others, which they learned a little about today, goes a long way toward the development of strong character later in life.

"Each year gives us an opportunity to expand our reach to each ensueing year of children who can all grow a little from the example of sacrafice offered by the 9/11 ceremony."