East Haven High Pays Tribute to Sept. 11 [Photos]

On Friday, looked back on the horrors of Sept. 11, 2001 during solemn assembly in the school’s gymnasium.

“Until just a short time ago, I wasn’t able to talk about what I saw at ground zero. The memories are haunting; the loss of life and despair will never leave me. I felt it was my duty, not only as a firefighter to go there and volunteer, but it was my duty as an American," said East Haven Fire Chief Chief Doug Jackson. "When I walked that last six or eight blocks, all I could see was concrete and dust. It looked like the moon. The faces of New York City will live with me forever.”

As students filed into the gym, they were met by Principal Steven Anderson, Superintendent Anthony Serio and Mayor April Capone. Also invited to the assembly were guest speakers from the East Haven Fire Department and Police Department. On hand were special guests from the United States Army; Staff Sergeants Luis Irizarry and Kevin D. Koonce who are U.S. Army recruiters from New Haven.

The East Haven High School Yellowjacket Marching Band stood at attention, all dressed in black to symbolize the mourning for those who lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy ten years ago.

The principal quieted the crowd, and led the students in he Pledge of Allegiance. He addressed the students, faculty and guests and told the students “we believe in you as the future of our country.”

“Life as Americans has changed for us as of 9/11. Help us…if you see something, say something. You are our eyes and our ears out there," said Sergeant Henry Butler to the students. "Let us know something or someone doesn’t belong somewhere. You never know when a tip on something suspicious can lead to something more.”

Guest speaker Sergeant Luis Irizarry of the U.S. Army addressed the students of EHHS by saying “We stood tall and united as a country, this is the ‘Home of the Brave ‘just like that song; ‘Proud to be an American’, that’s what we are. We are all patriots and we will never forget that we are Americans.”

The marching band played musical selections from this year’s Civil War competition selections. Everyone shared a moment of silence, and when dismissed the students somberly left the gymnasium.