CHESTER – The new flag poles that were recently installed at W.O. Smith Field at Chester High School were used Wednesday to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9-11.
Jim Beers Photo
“Today…we remember 9-11 at Chester High School,” CHS Principal Jeremy Blechle, stated. “One of the main reasons we pushed for the three flag poles at W.O. Smith Field (was) to honor and give tribute for special days like today.”
The three poles at W.O. Smith Field typically display the American Flag on the highest pole in the middle with the State of Illinois Flag on one side and the Chester YellowJacket Flag on the opposite side.
However, on special occasions such as 9-11, Veteran’s Day. Memorial Day. 4th of July, etc., Blechle displays American Flags on all three poles.
In addition, to start Patriot Day off right at CHS, Steve Colonel and the CHS Swing Choir, “Sound Affect” sang the national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” over the school ,PA system.
Blechle then gave a brief personal account of his recollection of learning of the 9-11 attacks and his reaction to the horrible happenings of the morning of September 11, 2001 when the jets struck the twin towers in New York, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania.
Following Blechle’s reflection, there was a 23-second moment of silence in which students and staff could honor those who lost their lives in this tragedy.
Finally, Blechle provided several video clips that teachers could use in their classes to discuss 9-11 and help students understand the huge impact that 9-11 had on all lives of U.S. Citizens.