Surrounding the flag pole a moment of prayer and reflection was led by sixth grade teacher David Dean. St. Joseph’s sixth-grader Charles Sienkiewicz was then given the honor of lowering the flag to half mast to commemorate the event, the lives lost and those who continue to suffer after 24 years. Sienkiewicz’s father, Joe, who served 20 years in the United States military, was on hand to help with the proper lowering of the flag.

harles carried out his duties in a very respectful way and afterward said, “It felt good because it was special to do something on a special day.”

Continuing with a program entitled “Patriot Day – Acts of Valor” the students met in the library for what was both a history and science lesson provided to pass on the events of 9/11/2001, the days following and current issues that the survivors of the attack are facing. Dean praised the spirit of unity and bravery and the heroic efforts of first responders and private citizens alike.

Students were attentive and eager to answer questions. Cathryn Buonocore, a fifth grade science teacher, engaged the students in a lesson highlighting the health hazards citizens faced on 9/11 as well as the illness, disease and death that continue to be suffered.

Teachers Cathryn Buonocore and David Dean provide a combined science and history lesson to the fifth and sixth grade students on Thursday.

“People are still paying the consequences” for the 9/11 attack, Buonocore said to the students. “Twenty-four years later they are still showing valor.”

Fifth and sixth grade students and faculty members at St. Joseph’s Catholic School commemorate the 9/11/2001 attacks on the United States.

St. Joseph’s sixth grade student Charles Sienkiewicz lowers the flag to half mast during the vigil.