Santa Cruz - Streets On Fire (FULL)
Holy Cross School observes 9/11
SANTA CRUZ None of the students at Holy Cross School in Santa Cruz were born when a group of men seized control of three airplanes and flew them into targets around Washington, D.C.
All of them, however, band together every year to honor and thank the firefighters, police officers and other first responders who lost their lives that day, and those who work every day.
At Holy Cross, the thank yous come in the form of plates heaped with cookies.
Cookies for Courage has been a tradition at the school since the 9/11 attacks, when a fifth-grade student decided to ease her sadness during one 9/11 anniversary by making cookies for local first responders.
Its really important we honor everyone who helps out, said eighth-grader Maggie ORourke. They save the community from tragedy and protect the city.
Maggie said the day is also a time to teach the younger students about the importance of the remembrance.
They have to be able to know what were talking about, she said.
Leilani Valdez, also an eighth-grader, has been participating in the event since she started at the school nine years ago.
Its our way of saying thank you for all the help during 9/11, she said. Im proud of them.
Santa Cruz Deputy Police Chief Steve Clark called the day a joy.
Its a huge honor, he said. Its by far one of our favorite days of the year.
Santa Cruz Fire Captain Pat Gallagher said attending the event gives him a rare opportunity to interact with the public in a relaxed atmosphere.
Its a really nice opportunity for us to reflect on what happened on 9/11 and how it affected us as a community, he said.
The event was attended by personnel from Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Capitola and UC Santa Cruz police departments, in addition to CalFire, Santa Cruz Fire Department and American Medical Response.
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Source: http://www.register-pajaronian.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading%3D0%26page%3D72%26story_id%3D21878
