As first responders gathered outside Markham Elementary School for Patriot Day, the picture-perfect Friday morning was interrupted by the sound of jet engines overhead, their trails crossing the clear blue sky.
The peaceful scene stood in stark contrast to the terrorist attacks that occurred 25 years ago on a similarly sunny September morning in 2001, when hijacked airplanes caused devastation in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Mt. Lebanon Girl Scouts, led by Amy Nebel, solemnly carried the American flag to the flagpole. Together, they raised it before lowering it to half-staff in honor of the 2,977 people killed in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Several fifth graders spoke, thanking first responders and reminding the audience of the words of Fred Rogers: “Real strength has to do with helping others.”
Retired Markham Principal Robert Mallery was on hand to lead the Pledge of Allegiance for the roughly 400 students, teachers, local residents, veterans and first responders in attendance. After a moment of silence, Markham students sang “America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee).”
“I think back on that day,” Mallery said, recalling where he was on Sept. 11, 2001. “We were at Central Office doing last-minute hirings [for the 2001-02 school year].”
Then he received a frantic call from one of his children, who worked at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at the time, telling him to turn on the television.
“We saw what was happening, and as we watched, the second tower was hit,” Mallery said. “There was crazy confusion all through the streets of Pittsburgh that day, even in Mt. Lebanon.”
Mallery said he is honored that the school district continues the ceremony for the community.
“It’s been wonderful that even after all these years, the tradition remains, even after I’ve left,” he said.
The remembrance ceremony holds particular significance for the close-knit Markham community, which was directly affected by the events of Sept. 11.
“Two of our families here at Markham had an immediate family member lost [from the events] on 9/11,” Mallery said.
Mallery also experienced loss in his own family. His son, John, died in Iraq in 2004 while working as a civilian project manager supplying dining supplies to the U.S. military.
That loss inspired Mallery to establish the remembrance ceremony at Markham. What began as a simple flag-raising has grown over the years into a larger community event.
“The part that amazes me is even after all these years, the first responders are still so grateful and appreciative,” Mallery said.
Mt. Lebanon Police Chief Jason Haberman said the ceremony serves as an important reminder to never forget what happened and the sacrifices that were made.
“We will always participate in this event because what the school district does we hold in high regard,” Haberman said.
