Three Village Schools Remember Those Lost on 9/11

Schools throughout the Three Village School District paid tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 in different ways on the day’s 13th anniversary.

While teachers in classrooms districtwide discussed the tragic events surrounding that horrific day, Gelinas and Murphy junior high schools held ceremonies to allow students and staff members to pay their respects. Outside Ward Melville High School, Old Town Road was lined with American flags to show solidarity and pride.

At Gelinas, student Liv Halvorsen led the entire building in the Pledge of Allegiance. Principal William Bernhard and Assistant Principal Corinne Keane asked for a moment of silence to honor all those who were lost on that day. Members of the Gelinas Chamber Choir, along with eighth and ninth grade band members performed at the tribute.

“The majority of you weren’t born yet when this happened 13 years ago,” Murphy Principal Vincent Vizzo told his students. “You touch my heart with the way you act as a Murphy family.”

At Murphy, military personnel were on hand for the flag raising. There was also a piece of metal from the World Trade Center displayed inside the school for the day.

After introductory remarks from Vizzo, the Murphy chamber choir and chamber orchestra performed “America the Beautiful.” There was a moment of silence, and the bell rang four times. Assistant Principal Kevin Finnerty talked about 9/11’s impact.

“The events of that day forever changed the lives of millions of people,” Finnerty said. “We will always look back at Sept. 11, 2011 with sadness, but today, we gather to honor those heroes who lost their lives.”

Photo provided by Three Village Schools: Murphy students watched respectfully as the flag was raised.

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