Viking Nation honored the 20th anniversary of 9/11 today and recognized the fallen and the families who lost a loved one in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. Though our students were not yet born when the attack occurred, it is still a powerful memory for our faculty and parents. We sought to honor the day with several activities that gave awareness to our students and a time of remembrance for our faculty.

8:46 a.m. Speech to Students and Prayer

At 8:46 a.m., the time the plane struck the first tower, Dr. Patterson read to middle school and high school students a brief description of the significance of this day and the events that took place.

This was followed by a powerful, heartfelt prayer by Elliott Everitt, Assistant Pastor at First Presbyterian Church.

Video & Discussion

During Advisory Time, FPD 5th-12th grade students watched a video about the day, followed by a question and answer time with their teachers regarding Biblical worldview and the events of 9/11.

Names in Chalk

Once again, our students in 5th grade and up covered our campus sidewalks with names of those who lost their lives in the attacks. This annual project stems from a study of the Middle East in our middle school social studies and geography classes. It has grown into an expansive, campus-wide project that means so much to our students and faculty and provides a different perspective on the amount of people who lost their lives in the attacks.

FPD alumnus Major Cole Hogan ’78 receives a place of honor on the front steps of the high school building.

3K Students Make Flag Using Handprints

Our Wee Vikings used their handprints to make an American flag. They then presented their handmade flag to Dr. Patterson to honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Other elementary grades viewed Maj. Cole Hogan’s plaque and read grade-level appropriate books about the day.