Delaware Valley Elementary School students on what they learned and what they will not forget about Sept. 11

DVE-News/TV Reporters join the Deerpark 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, September 11, 2023

DVE-News/TV reporters attended the Deerpark 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Monday, Sept. 11.

The reporters were a part of the ceremony. They hung up ribbons for people who were lost in the 9/11 attacks. They got to hear the chorus and band from Port Jervis High School. People were invited up to the podium to tell their stories. Then the reporters were invited to hang bows on the Memorial tree. They went up to sing “God Bless America” with Mrs. Catherine Westfall.

Afterwards, we were invited inside for refreshments, and we began interviewing.

Firefighter Joseph Rennish

First, we met with Lieutenant Joseph Rennish, retired firefighter of Howard Wheat Engine Company No 4. He originally went to be a police officer in 1960 but ended up joining the firefighters in 1963.

He told us he was in his 60’s on Sept. 11, 2001. He was taking care of his father-in-law when his father told him to watch the television.

When asked if he was scared of the attacks, he said he was not because he knew his family was safe. He called it a tragedy and we should not ever forget what happened. After the attacks he felt more passionate about his work in the fire department.

We asked what we can do to keep the remembrance of 9/11 going.

He said we need to talk about all of it, the good and the bad. He said we unfortunately cannot prevent this from happening again. He told us it will happen again in our lifetimes.

He has gone to the National September 11th Memorial Museum of New York City.

When asked how 9/11 affected him and his family. He said it was difficult to lose his friends and firefighting brethren. He wants children to know about this very terrifying time and great tragedy.

When asked if he wanted to go back to work to work after 9/11, the anger he had gave him courage and the fight to go back.

Superintendent of schools Brian Blaum

Then we interviewed Dr. Brian Blaum, the superintendent of the Delaware Valley School District. He was 20 years old and in Scranton at college that day. It affected his life with how security changed. We still do so many things differently since 9/11. The most amazing act of heroism was that people, and first responders, ran toward the building instead of running away.

When he woke up to a lot of calls and emails that Sept. 11 morning, he put on the news and then went to his class and noticed they had the TV on also. He was mortified when he heard what happened. It was a traumatizing time.

Having been a social studies teacher, he wants kids to know about this, and to never forget. He said he was not afraid for his family’s safety.

We should remember what happened and to not forget the people we lost and the first responders that went towards the towers. He has been to the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York City, and it was his first time at the Deerpark 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.

The most positive thing he found on 9/11 was that everyone worked and united together. The American flag represents freedom to him.

Dr. Blaum said September 11th means everyone gathering to help each other despite their differences and never forgetting. He feels that something like this could happen again.

He told us to please listen to each other and put hatred aside and work together. We may be able to avoid something like that happening again if we do that. Sept. 11 brought the entire country together. We will never forget.

Although our generation was not even born yet on September 11, 2001, we will never forget what we learned and will continue to talk about what happened.