Jennifer Moonsong
WCLU News Director
This morning the cadence of 650 little voices could be heard at Metcalfe County High School, at the annual event for First Responders held in remembrance of 9/11. In addition to the students singing “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?” By Alan Jackson, Principal Michael Gill read a poem of thanks to first responders and offered a moment of silence for lives lost. He has ensure the program has continued in his 11 year tenure.
“It has been 23 years, this was a long time before these children were even born,” Gill said. “That’s why it is so important that we teach them about 9/11.”
First responders from the Edmonton City Police and the Metcalfe County Sheriff’s Office were present, and appreciative.
“We love it, it is awesome. The school system does this for us every year,” said Chief David Robertson of the Edmonton City Police. Robertson clearly recalls the day 9/11 unfolded in 2001.
“I was working at a factory in Edmonton,” he said. That was not long before he went back to school to study Criminal Justice, and since that time he’s worked as an officer in his hometown.
“It just seemed like a chance to make a difference,” Robertson said.
Chief Deputy Jarrod Steele of the Sheriff’s Office was also appreciative of the program. He recalls that he was sitting in a high school class at Metcalfe County High School that long ago day.
Superintendent of Schools, Josh Hurt, was also present for the gathering. He said he was working as a teacher in Gallatin County, Kentucky when the tragedies of 9/11 happened.
“What I mostly remember about that day, and I remember every detail very clearly, was that after that for a time there was no division. Democrats, Republicans… everyone got along,” Hurt said.
Hurt also noted that this year on the 23 anniversary, he was saddened that there was not a parolee public display of remembrance, and is proud the Metcalfe County School system is doing its part.
