Newton-Lee Elementary to Dedicate 9/11 Memorial Garden

On Saturday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m., will dedicate a special memorial garden honoring victims of 9/11.

The school is named for Loudoun County residents Christopher Newton and Dong Lee, who were both on the American Airlines flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon.

The Newton-Lee Elementary community raised money for the garden in part by selling engraved bricks that have been installed at the garden. The centerpiece of the garden is a bridge that was a gift from last year’s fifth grade class.

“When it touches you as a huge community, then you can see the good that can come out of a tragedy,” said Luanne Nichols, who works in the administrative office at the school, adding that students in the school have participated in a huge way. “You really want to show them the positive that can come from a bad situation.”

Principal Carol Winters said she’s proud of the work students have done to prepare for ceremony.

“Our children really have a philanthropic drive,” she said.

Nichols said the community has been very generous, purchasing engraved pavers for the garden’s walk and donating items for the schools courtyard. Local Scouts maintain the garden and courtyards. Scouts also properly burned the American flag that has flown over Newton-Lee since it opened and the ashes will be used in the ceremony Saturday. In it’s place a 9/11 memorial flag now flies.

“The giving just never stops at Newton-Lee,” Nichols said.

Winters said the school expects people from all over the country to attend. The community is invited to the event, which will honor these men and remember their commitment to our country and education.

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