Old Mill Road school hosts 9/11 ceremony

Most elementary school students were too young to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001. In fact, many weren’t even born yet.

And, according to David Feller, superintendent of the North Merrick School District, and Laura Leudesdorff, principal of Old Mill Road school, that’s why it’s even more important to stress the significance of Sept. 11 to the younger generations.

"It's a part of history now,” said Leudesdorff. “Although they may not have been born yet, they have family members and friends who were. It's important for all of us to remember the events that happened that day because it's a part of our lives and a part of our history."

On Friday, Sept. 9, elementary schools across Merrick and North Merrick held memorial ceremonies at their schools to honor those who lost their lives on that fateful day 10 years ago.

"For all those who were lost that day, it's important for all of us to take the time to remember it, and do it in a way to keep it in perspective for the younger ones as to what the day is all about,” said Leudesdorff.

At Old Mill Road school, all 486 students, as well as faculty members, gathered in the gymnasium while Leudesdorff addressed them at the lectern and recited the poem “One” by Cheryl Sawyer. In order to put the events in perspective for the young children, school officials selected a theme of “every-day heroes" for the ceremony, and several students spoke to their peers to say who their heroes are, ranging from family members, firefighters, policemen and teachers.

"At different ages, people can understand it differently,” said Feller. “What's nice is we presented something that's digestible for everyone regardless of their grade level."

Danny King, a retired New York City police officer and current North Merrick volunteer firefighter, also addressed the students. He was a first responder at ground zero shortly after the attacks on Sept. 11,which happened to be the birthday of his son Brian, who was a fifth-grader at Old Mill Road at the time. "Ten years ago, I went to work,” said King. “I went to work early because it was my son's 10th birthday. Needless to say, I didn't come home for a couple of days."