A Wonderful Tradition at Great Lakes Elementary
Mayor Bruce Hagen speaks to Great Lakes Elementary students on 9/11/2015
By Ryan Haroldson
Honoring firefighters, police officers, and military servicemen and servicewomen has become a time honored tradition for students and staff to take part in at Great Lakes Elementary School every September 11th.
Each September 11th, Great Lakes Elementary is host to a patriotic ceremony in remembrance of those American citizens, police officers, and firefighters who lost their lives on that day. The ceremony is also a remembrance of military servicemen and servicewomen who have lost their lives keeping the citizens of the United States safe from acts of terrorism.
This year was an extra special year as Mayor Hagen, Rep. Milroy, and Police Chief Alexander joined the celebration by sharing some words on the events of September 11th and the important role of our country’s heroes as well as our community heroes.
Joe Tribbey, a firefighter from the Superior Fire Department presents a plaque commemorating the events of September 11 to Great Lakes Elementary
State Rep. Nick Milroy also addressed the students
In addition Joe Tribbey from the Superior Fire Department presented a plaque to Great Lakes Elementary School in remembrance of September 11th. This plaque came from the Robert and Sandra Gunnarson, grandparents of Great Lakes Elementary third grade student Jayden Gunnarson. The plaque has been hung in the main entrance of the school so it can easily be viewed by staff, students, and parents when they are in the building.
This ceremony has been a tradition at Great Lakes Elementary going back many years before I was here and it will not be going away as I want students to grow up having an appreciation for the men and women who keep our country and community safe. The firefighters, police officers, and military personnel who visit during this ceremony provide students with exemplary role models to aspire to.
The ceremony takes place every September 11th and all police officers, firefighters, and military personnel (active or retired) are welcome to attend.
Ryan Haroldson is the Principal of Great Lakes Elementary School in Superior, WI
