Special to the Leader-Press
Williams/Ledger Elementary students returned to their rebuilt campus on August 17 following a year displaced by severe flooding.
To mark their return during the school's annual 9/11 Freedom Walk on September 11, Copperas Cove VFW Post 8577 donated new American and Texas flags to every classroom.
The morning began with students, staff, parents, first responders, active-duty and retired military personnel, and community members walking around the Williams/Ledger campus in remembrance of the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
The Freedom Walk was followed by a ceremony honoring those who lost their lives, those who responded, and those who continue to serve.
The annual event gave students and members of the community an opportunity to remember the victims of the attacks, honor the courage of first responders and service members, and reflect on the importance of unity, courage, and service.
Williams/Ledger Elementary Principal Jennifer Cresswell opened the ceremony by reminding students that September 11 is a day of tremendous sadness, but also a day that demonstrates the extraordinary courage of those who ran toward danger to help others.
"We remember, we honor, and we will never forget," Cresswell told the gathering.
The ceremony also featured Williams/Ledger students performing "One Small Voice" by Jack Hartmann.
After the performance, Cresswell expressed gratitude to the VFW for the donation.
"As we continue rebuilding and returning home, these flags represent far more than something we needed to replace. They symbolize resilience, unity, sacrifice, and the freedoms that we are privileged to enjoy each day," Cresswell said.
Copperas Cove VFW Post 8577 Commander Josh Greves presented the flags and spoke to students about the significance of the American flag and the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served the nation.
"The flag is not just a piece of cloth," Greves told students. "This flag means a whole lot to the men and women in uniform who've served this great nation of ours and who continue to still serve."
Greves also recognized members of the military attending the ceremony and encouraged students to thank service members when they encounter them in their community.
The ceremony concluded with a message of gratitude to the VFW, military members, first responders, families, and community members who participated in the Freedom Walk.
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