Whitemarsh Elementary honors community heroes on Patriot’s Day

How do you remember the events of 9-11 with children who were born more than 10 years later? At Whitemarsh Elementary School, it meant meeting at the school flagpole to sing patriotic songs, talk about being an American and celebrate local heroes — like firefighters, police officers and ambulance personnel.

Ava, a first grader at Whitemarsh Elementary, says that a hero is “somebody who saves the day by helping people” and added that “we’re going to have to respect them for all that they do for us.”

The event featured the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, short speeches by first, second and third graders, and songs like “America the Beautiful” and “Proud to Be an American.” During the final part of the ceremony, students presented members of the Whitemarsh Township Police Department and Barren Hill Fire Company with handmade thank you cards and flowers.