Benjamin Community Honors Lives Lost On 9/11
So many names, there is barely room on the walls of the heart, Poet Laureate Billy Collins wrote in his poem ‘The Names,’ a reflection on the victims of 9/11.
Benjamin Senior Briley Crisafi offered a recitation of Collins’ poem the morning of September 11 during a virtual Patriot Day ceremony. The Upper School ceremony, led by Student Council President Martin Weisz, honored those lost on 9/11 while recognizing the heroism of citizens in the face of the unthinkable that day.
Upper School students watched the short documentary Boatlift narrated by Tom Hanks about one of the most notable acts of valor on that morning in 2001. The documentary chronicles the maritime evacuation of Lower Manhattan - the largest water evacuation in American history.
Head of Middle School Chuck Hagy led his division’s virtual remembrance ceremony with the Pledge Of Allegiance and a moment of silence to honor the lives lost on September 11. Middle School Social Studies teacher Anne Franzen read an excerpt from President Donald Trump.
“With gratitude we honor the brave first responders, resolute members of our military, and ordinary Americans who showed extraordinary courage to save others on that fateful day,” Franzen read. “We will always be grateful for the heroic men and women of our armed forces who fought in defense of our country in the aftermath of the largest terrorist attack on american soil.”
Hagy shared pictures of the 9/11 memorial in New York City that bears the names of Benjamin alumni Lindsay Morehouse and Patrick Aranyos, enshrined on the memorial’s South Tower.
“We honor both Lindsay and Patrick’s sacrifice as we continue to move through our days and this school year at The Benjamin School . . . We remember the victims, their families, police, firefighters, and all first responders who sacrificed on that Tuesday morning and it inspires us to make this world of ours a better place. We especially remember our two beloved alumni whose hearts continue to live here at The Benjamin School. May we never forget,” said Hagy.
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A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.