Colusa High School students gathered in the quad on Friday to remember the 2,996 people killed on Sept. 11, 2001 – the day four hijacked airliners were used as weapons of destruction in a terrorist attack on America.
None of the students who gathered to hear a presentation by Retired Colusa County Superior Court Judge John H. Tiernan, were alive that cool fall morning when the world first realized that two Boeing 767 airplanes crashing into the north and south towers of the World Trade Center was a deliberate act of terror.
Tiernan said he was watching as the news unfolded after the first plane struck the north tower, when the second plane entered the TV screen and turned into the South tower, erupting into a bright ball of flames.
“It was scary to have seen a building, then a halo of flames around the center of it,” Tiernan said. “It became obvious that this was no accident. Like many in the nation, I was shocked and horrified. One thought stuck in my mind immediately; our nation was under attack.”
In under two hours, a third plane crashed into the Pentagon and a fourth into the ground in rural Pennsylvania. Thousands were killed including 246 passengers and the crew aboard the four planes, prompting all in-country airliners to be ordered to land at the nearest airport. All scheduled flights were grounded and all airlines inbound for the U.S. were directed to Canada.
New York City lost 441 first responders who rushed into action, and thousands of people were injured or later developed illnesses connected to the attacks, including those who worked in toxic debris for months following the attack.
To Colusa High School students, and future generations, the events of 9/11 mark a historical event rather than conjure any actual memory, much as the bombing on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 to most people living in the world today.
Like Pearl Harbor, the attack on American soil is not likely to be forgotten, nor will opportunities end to reflect on all those who die or have died trying to help others, to mourn victims of terrorism across the globe, and to inspire patriotism and unity throughout the community.
“This is something I want to keep us remembering – not just 9/11 but the whole reason why we are here,” said Colusa High School Assistant Principal Casey Johnson. “I hope that message gets across to our students so they understand it.”
The program allowed students to honor those who made sacrifices or risked their lives, some on that day, some on others, and whom they consider heroes in their own right.
The Colusa Police Department, Colusa Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Colusa County Sheriff’s Office, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2441, and active service members serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corp. participated in the ceremony.
“It is always important to remember what happened and I appreciate them coming here,” said Haley Hampton, 14, a freshman.
Hampton said she and her parents have talked about the tragic events of 9/11 and was told by them how important it is to remember those who lost their lives, those who responded to the tragedy, and to never take life for granted.
As it does each year, Colusa High School held the short ceremony as a way to inspire patriotism in students, to remember those who were killed, and to honor all those who rise to the call of service.
“I thought it was very inspirational,” said Isabella Munoz, 14, the daughter of retired Assistant Probation Chief Gerry Munoz, after the ceremony. “My dad worked in law enforcement and I really appreciate him – and all first responders.” ■