Day of Remembrance: Monroe High remembers 9/11 attacks

ALBANY, Ga. – On the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, one Albany high school paid their respects Monday morning.

Across America Monday, people paid their respects to those lost in the September 11th, 2001 attacks. And, here at Monroe High School, it was no different for the student body.

Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler told students that he was called upon to aid in recovery in New York in 2001…

“Many times, we’re not concerned about our fellow brothers and sisters, but these first responders, they put their lives on the line just to go save lives and I think it’s very important that they get a chance to see that,” said Michael Fowler, Dougherty County Coroner.

We caught up with a couple members of the Monroe High student body to talk about passing on the memories of September 11th to the next generation.

“To me, it means that they experienced a tragic event, and we can see that there’s obviously still trauma behind this and they’re trying to show us the bravery of the country. That they all stood together in a tragic moment, I think this is very important that this is the connection that we give each other,” said Tavarri Mathis, Junior, Monroe High School.

“They know that they weren’t alone. People can feel empathetic about it, feel like they were in their shoes, and understand where they were coming from and what they felt about the situation,” said Zamora Everett, Junior, Monroe High School.

And, the lasting impact of that day from more than 20 years ago is still being felt by those who experienced it and the generation hearing these stories.

“First hand; there’s nothing like it. Sure you can read about it, or see pictures, but to have that first hand experience, it changes life. And I have a different perspective of life, and I appreciate that. I live each day like it’s my last and I think it’s very important to do that,” said Michael Fowler, Dougherty County Coroner.

“Us being born sooner, in 2007, 2008, I feel that it’s a great way to empathize with each other, and get to understand each other a little more,” said Tavarri Mathis, Junior, Monroe High School.

As local first responders shared their experiences of where they were when the September 11th attacks happened, they know it’s important to start passing it along to the next generation.

Memorial ceremonies took place across southwest Georgia Monday morning in communities such as Valdosta and Tifton.

Brian Roche reporting.

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