ALTON — Alton Police Officer Hayley Porter, a St. Mary’s graduate, took part in an event at the school marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Porter’s appearance helped make the school’s anniversary remembrance even more special.
Porter is shown above with Principal Mary Rivera and Kora, a student, during the ceremony.
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St. Mary's Rivera said the event brought together the school community and local service members to mark Patriot Day and reflect on the impact of Sept. 11 for students who were not alive when the attacks occurred.
As part of the ceremony, students learned about the meaning of the flag, proper respect for it, and the sacrifices made throughout the nation’s history in defense of the freedoms it represents, Rivera said.
Principal Rivera said the ceremony honored those who have answered calls to service while also challenging students to recognize their own call to serve.
“Their service may look different from that of a firefighter, police officer, EMT, or member of the military, but the mission is much the same: to recognize when another person is in need and be willing to step forward to help,” Rivera said.
