The dreary weather matched the somber mood at Topeka High School’s JROTC 9/11 Anniversary Ceremony this morning.
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Held on the school’s Constitution Plaza, the theme of the ceremony was “Red, White and Blue Day of Remembrance.” Cadets spoke about what our flag’s colors represent and recounted the time line of events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. They also focused on the unity and resolve of the entire nation following the attacks. Chief Warrant Officer Curtis “Gunner” Kelly said, “This nation and (our) Constitution are strong and we will not forget, yet most importantly, as a nation we must remember those who fell on that fateful Tuesday in 2001, who, with their very lives, taught us what freedom truly means!”
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Also recognized was Cpl. Jason Harwood, the Topeka Police Department officer killed in the line of duty last Sunday. Four TPS officers were present at today’s ceremony and served as a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of Cpl. Harwood.
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The service concluded with “Taps,” played by a THS JROTC cadet. It was a fitting finale to a touching ceremony. Thank you, THS JROTC, for such a moving tribute to our nation’s heroes.
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Held on the school’s Constitution Plaza, the theme of the ceremony was “Red, White and Blue Day of Remembrance.” Cadets spoke about what our flag’s colors represent and recounted the time line of events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. They also focused on the unity and resolve of the entire nation following the attacks. Chief Warrant Officer Curtis “Gunner” Kelly said, “This nation and (our) Constitution are strong and we will not forget, yet most importantly, as a nation we must remember those who fell on that fateful Tuesday in 2001, who, with their very lives, taught us what freedom truly means!”
Also recognized was Cpl. Jason Harwood, the Topeka Police Department officer killed in the line of duty last Sunday. Four TPS officers were present at today’s ceremony and served as a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of Cpl. Harwood.
The service concluded with “Taps,” played by a THS JROTC cadet. It was a fitting finale to a touching ceremony. Thank you, THS JROTC, for such a moving tribute to our nation’s heroes.
