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Hickam keiki remember

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young
  • Defense Media Activity - Hawaii
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  More than 750 children paraded around the Freedom Tower at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Sept. 10 as a way to remember those that were killed as a result of several terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The students of Hickam Elementary School, the parents and teachers gathered together to pay tribute to those fallen Americans from that fateful day that many people will remember for a long time.

This is the second year of the event and the teachers use this remembrance ceremony as a way to teach their students a different lesson about honoring and respecting their country.

"It's a great way to teach our students about how important it is to respect and honor our country and all the sacrifices that their parents give to serve as they protect our country, said ten-year Hickam Elementary kindergarten teacher, Michele Sasaki, a native of Pearl City, Hawaii.

"Sept. 11 is a day of remembrance of those that lost their lives and the tragic attack on our country, but it's also a day to refocus our commitment to the ideals of America and the promise...the promise...the promise...promise that our country has made to you," said Col. Charles Baumgardner, 647th Air Base Group Commander .

In addition to Colonel Baumgardner, the students were briefed by their principal, Mr. John Erickson about the events that took place nine years ago and the significance of what it meant to him personally as well at the children's parents.

"We must never forget what happened on 9/11 and must remember that we are blessed to live and work on the greatest station on earth," said Principal Erickson.

Before the children began their walk, the Radford High School Band played the National Anthem and the Hawaiian Anthem, while Pacific Fleet Band Musician Second Class Kristen Snitzer played "Taps".

"This event is about celebrating American pride and honoring those that have died, so it's very important we don't forget what happened on Sept. 11, because it unifies us as a country," said Tracie Higashi, Hickam Elementary Music Director.

"As you walk around the Freedom Tower, please show your patriotic pride and wave your American flags proudly," said Principal Erickson.

Despite rainfall, the students of Hickam displayed great spirit and enthusiasm from start to finish as they pushed through the inclement weather waving their flags.

Along with the Radford Band and Color Guard, the students were cheered on by their parents that seemed to enjoy the children's patronage just as much as their children.

"This is outstanding that the kids are doing something like this," said Technical Sergeant Keith Cedergren.

"It gives them an opportunity to go out and have fun, but also reflect on what it is and hopefully they learn more things as they get older," added Sergeant Cedergren.

In the end, the children were wet and a little tired, but they learned something and their spirits had brightened a dreary day because they had learned something about the past that is important to everyone.

"I think it's great that the children learn about 9/11, so that they can remember just as we do because it's important to everyone," said MU2 Snitzer, a native of Rochester, N.Y.