Local elementary school honors local heroes on 9-11

  • Published
  • By Capt. John T. Stamm
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Most of the students at Valley Forge Elementary School in Huber Heights, Ohio, had not been born by Sept. 11, 2001, yet that did not stop more than 600 Kindergarten through 6th graders from honoring their heroes.

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, the students of Valley Forge hosted a memorial ceremony at their school for the men and women of the 445th Airlift Wing, local police officers and firefighters.

The ceremony began with a special flag raising ceremony by the Wayne High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard and concluded with a song sung by the students. During the ceremony, Valley Forge Elementary School principal Laurenze Sussman presented certificates of appreciation to the local police and fire departments and to the 445th AW. Col. Roger Gallet, special assistant to the commander, accepted on behalf of the wing and Armed Forces members everywhere.

"It was nice to be recognized," said Colonel Gallet. "They were honoring all service members and chose the 445th to represent not only the Air Force but all branches of service. I think it was a rewarding experience not only for the students, but for our members who attended as well."

This was the first time the Valley Forge Elementary School has held a 9-11 remembrance ceremony. Principal Sussman spearheaded the effort, and was extremely proud of the efforts of the students.

"The response from the students has been phenomenal," Sussman said. "We have a lot of children here who belong to military families. It's important for them remember that something happened on that day, and that we have many heroes that put their lives on the line every day. Our school mascot is the Patriot, and we try to instill what it means to be a patriot, what it means to work hard and have integrity, in our students."

Tech. Sgt. Caroline Sussman, wife of principal Sussman, is a loadmaster for the 89th Airlift Squadron here. She coordinated the wing's involvement in the ceremony, and also believes that the event was mutually beneficial.

"It's really good for military personnel to get out into the community," Sergeant Sussman said. "I'm also an educator, and it's also good for the students to know what the day is about. Many of them weren't alive then, and by listening to those who were they learn from it. They also love seeing the uniform, and by talking to those in uniform they get a better understanding of what it's like to serve in the military or as a police officer or firefighter."