During the final school hour of the day today (September 11), Monroe High School students and staff paused to listen to a message from their principal, Mrs. Sandy Kreps, about 9-11, to observe a moment of silence and to reflect on what it means for all of us. Here is the the text of that message from Mrs. Kreps:
Staff and Students:
Today marks the 14 year anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks on our country and September 11th is now recognized as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Over 3,000 Americans lost their lives, including first responders such as firemen and police officers. Since the attacks on this day in 2001, tens of thousands of Americans serving in our military have been wounded in battle in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Ten servicemen from Monroe County are among the military personnel who have been killed since 9-11. Among those are: Marine Pfc. Juan G Garza, 20, of Temperance; Army Master Sgt. William Lee Payne, 46 of Monroe; Army Pfc. Dennis J. Miller Jr. of LaSalle; Marine Lance Cpl. Allan Klein, 34 of Monroe; Army National Guard Capt. Lowell Thomas Miller II, 35 of Monroe; Army Pfc. Nicholas J. Greer, 21 of Monroe; Marine Cpl. Gary A. Koehler, 21 of Milan; Army Sgt. Christopher P. Messer, 28 of Raisinville Township; Army Pfc. Eric W. Hario, 19, of Monroe; and Army Sgt. Michael Ingram Jr., 23, of Monroe.
Today, we remember the victims and their families; the first responders who sacrificed their lives for their fellow Americans on that tragic day; for all of our servicemen and servicewomen who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country; and for those who continue to serve so we, as a nation, can remain free. We honor the memories of those we have lost and place their loved ones in our thoughts and in our prayers. Please join me in observing a moment of silence in remembrance of those Americans who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 attacks on our country and for those Americans who have since given their lives so that we can be safe from future acts of terrorism.
Thank You