Tioga High School commemorated Sept. 11 by honoring people who have served at home and abroad—first responders and veterans.
The honorees were welcomed to the school by their loved ones, which made the recognition more special, they said.
'It's important that this happens, to where the younger generation doesn't forget what [happened on 9/11] and doesn't forget the sacrifices that have been made,' said Robert Lambert, whose children invited him to come. 'They haven't experienced anything like this, and nor had I up until that point, but it's an event that changed us in many ways.'
Lambert has been a firefighter for 27 years, and he was on duty in Little Elm that day 25 years ago.
He highlighted that the sacrifices that should be honored are not just of those who serve directly.
'We're here for our family, and they put in as much, if not more, work,' Lambert said. 'They may not do the actual physical work, but mentally and everything they've got to deal with at home, whether you're deployed with the military or us on the first responder side, there's still a lot they've got to sacrifice at home. ... They get to see some recognition for why Dad's away or why Mom's away.'
He also said appreciates the way Tioga ISD teaches the kids to see the service of veterans and first responders.
The student council and culinary students worked together to create a reception for the first responders and veterans. Among those recognized was Josh Hall, who served in the Army for eight years, was a police officer and is a firefighter- paramedic now in Carrollton.
'It means a lot that they wanted and asked me to be here and they recognize that I served,' Hall said of his three stepkids, Kylee Yeakel, Camryn Yeakel and Ethan Yeakel, adding, 'I appreciate the kids and the staff doing everything they can for today.'
Eula and Montey Wilson came at the invitation of their grandson, a great niece and a great nephew.
'It just showed patriotism to the country,' said Montey, who served during the Vietnam War in the Army.
Austin Fox, husband of Ryann Fox, the district's athletic trainer, served in the Navy for eight years, and he said he appreciated the effort the students and teachers put into the reception, as well.
He was inspired to join the military by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and what followed.
'The global war on terror was why I joined in general,' he said.
'On behalf of our school, I want to take a moment to say how truly honored we are to have all of y'all here today, first responders and veterans,' said student council Vice President Sadie Bates during the reception. 'To the students that walk the halls, Sept. 11 is something that they have learned about in history books, classrooms, pictures and stories, and that makes gatherings like this especially important, because the story of Sept. 11 isn't only a story about a tragedy. It's a story about courage, sacrifice, service and what it means to take care of one another.'
She spoke of the first responders who rushed toward the danger on Sept. 11, and of the bravery it takes for military members and first responders to serve.
' As we remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, we also honor the people who continue to represent the very best of what we saw emerge from that terrible day: bravery, unity, compassion, sacrifice and service,' Bates said. 'It is a privilege to have you here with us.'
