For the 24th anniversary of Sept. 11 members of the Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC) held a memorial in the school’s courtyard to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in 2001. Members stood guard in uniform alongside the American flag, a model of the twin towers and a Sept. 11 poster showcasing the names of everyone who died during the attacks.

The JROTC cadets stood guard quietly, rotating every 30 minutes.

“Cadets are expected to maintain proper bearing,” senior Battalion Communications Officer Paul Ditman said. “They cannot talk to anyone, they cannot move. They’re expected to stay put for their entire shift unless instructed by a leading officer.”

Teachers were allowed to take their classes to the courtyard to view the memorial and pay their respects; most of the classes that visited were social studies and study hall classes. Students could also visit the memorial on their own during lunch.

Non-JROTC students also participated in the day’s events through dedicating the morning announcements to commemorating those lost. Sophomore Ellie Pulsifer sang the National Anthem and freshman Mark Spadaccini played the piece “Taps” on his trumpet.

Government classes were required to show a 9/11 video and it was suggested to other social studies classes that they also do so to explain what happened and how it affected the country.

“I think it’s important to remember and acknowledge what a tragic event it was and how many lives were lost,” senior Taylor Rowe said.

JROTC’s memorial, the morning announcements and the videos shown were done in an effort to ensure that people never forget what happened on Sept. 11, 2001. JROTC members hoped that these traditions would continue, allowing students to learn about the importance of creating unity and giving back to their communities.