All-School Assembly and prior to the Chester-Sparta game
Students hear about the day America experienced the 911 terrorist attack on September 11, 2001
BY JIM BEERS
On Friday September 11, 2026 students and faculty at Chester High School joined together at an all-school assembly to remember the day 25-years ago that America experienced the tragedy that will never be forgotten.
The assembly was led by CHS Principal, Jeremy Blechle. Mr. Blechle told the story in his perspective regarding how he heard of and reacted to the day that Al-Qaida terrorists attacked several locations in America.
Blechle began by telling students that 25 years ago today (September 11, 2011) the United States was forever changed due to Al-Qaida’s terrorist attack on our country. He said, “Most of you weren’t even born yet, but those of us that can remember that day, it is a day we will never forget!”
On that date, Mr. Blechle was in his second year of college at SWIC, which is directly connected to Scott Air Force Base, one of the most important bases in America. He remembered that it was announced over the school’s public address system that a passenger plane had crashed into one of the towers at the World Trade Center in New York. All military personnel that were in attendance at SWIC were instructed to report back to Scott Air Force Base.
Shortly thereafter, it was announced that another plane had struck the other tower. That led most everyone to believe that the crashes were planned and not accidents. Mr. Blechle asked students to make the assembly a day to remember the 2,977 people who were killed that day as well as everyone else in America that has died defending our country since 2001.
Blechle encouraged all students to take part in a 25-second moment of silence. “Today we will have a 25-second moment of silence. During our silence, think about those people who lost their lives and what you can do to help make this great country a better place.”
Blechle then showed a brief video that explained the happenings of September 11, 2001. The audio-visuals helped to give students a closer, more realistic picture of what happen as a result of the Al-Qaida attacks. Throughout the assembly, students were calm, quiet, and courteous of Principal Blechle and the messages he was trying to convey.
Later on that night, the Chester YellowJackets hosted the Sparta-Steeleville Football Team in the first Cahokia Conference game of the year. During the pre-game festivities, another 911 remembrance was held as several hundred fans packed both sides of W.O. Smith Field for the rivalry game of the year.
Prior to the start of the game, the Stadium Announcer said, “Before we begin tonight’s game, we ask that everyone takes a moment to remember September 11, 2001. Twenty-five years ago today, our nation experienced a tragedy that changed America forever. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, including firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary Americans who never had the opportunity to return home.”
“We also witnessed incredible courage. People ran toward the danger to help others. Strangers helped strangers. Communities came together, and our nation stood united!”
“Tonight as we gather here together-students, families, athletes, coaches, our communities- we are reminded not to take our freedom for granted. Tonight we remember those we lost. WE honor those who served and sacrificed. WE remember the courage and unity that followed. Twenty-five years later, WE STILL REMEMBER! We still honor, and WE WILL NEVER FORGET!”
At that point, all fans in the seats, on both sides of the field, stood and joined in a 25-second moment of silence in memory of the tragedy that occurred 25 years ago. Chester, Sparta, and Steeleville stood together, united together in remembrance of September 11, 2001.
Kudos to Mr. Blechle who organized the event. Dwight Lochhead and Aiden Blechle created the audio-visual components of the presentation. Thanks to all of the hundreds of YellowJacket and Bulldog fans who stood together, united and focused on remembering 911 and the effects that it had on America!
(left) The Chester High School Marching YellowJackets play the National Anthem to conclude the 911 remembrance event prior to the opening kickoff of the YellowJackets vs Bulldogs game. Jim Beers Photo
(right) Sparta fans stand at attention during the 911 remembrance event Friday September 11 during pre-game festivities. Jim Beers Photo
(left) Fans watch intently as a 911 remembrance video plays at W.O. Smith Field prior to the Chester vs Sparta game. Jim Beers Photo
(right) Sparta-Steeleville Football players show respect during the 911 Remembrance event hosted by Chester High School prior to the start of the YellowJackets vs Bulldogs game Friday September 11. Jim Beers Photo
(left) Chester High School students lined all of the sidewalks in front of the school on Friday September 11, 2026. Hundreds of small flags helped demonstrate that Chester High School was demonstrating remembrance of the 911 attack on the United States and that the country should NEVER FORGET those that died in the attack or attempting to rescue victims on the ground. Jim Beers Photo
(right) CHS Principal Jeremy Blechle addresses the student body at CHS Friday September 11, 2026. Blechle led an all-school assembly during which he educated the students regarding the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on America. He called for a day of remembrance to honor and remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day. Jim Beers Photo