Throughout the Elmont Union Free School District, scholars and staff came together to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11. At Clara H. Carlson School, the entire school community gathered on the front lawn for a heartfelt tribute ceremony.

The ceremony began with a select group of students carrying the American flag to the flagpole, followed by a moment of silence as the flag was raised to half-staff. First grade students performed the patriotic song, “You're a Grand Old Flag,” and two fifth graders recited the poem, “Together We Remember.” Student-musicians also played “America the Beautiful” on the clarinet

Board of Education President Tiffany Capers welcomed attendees to the ceremony and reiterated on how the nation came together in the wake of the September 11 attacks, emphasizing unity during a time of crisis. 

 Assistant Principal Richard Mansfield also remarked that during one of the darkest times in the nation’s history, Americans came together. “This is an important lesson to be learned today, because being American does not mean that we all have to look alike, or worship alike, or speak alike or that we come from the same place. It means, simply, that if somebody needs help, you stand beside them. It means when our community faces adversity, we all face it together.” 

 Staff members were invited to the podium to read the names of loved ones lost on September 11. As each name was spoken, LED candles were illuminated in their honor, creating a poignant moment of remembrance and reflection.

The ceremony concluded with two students singing, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” bringing the tribute to a meaningful close.