RCS Celebrates First Responders, Military, Remembers 9-11
A Patriots Day Assembly called “Remembering Our Heroes” is an annual program at Redwood Christian Schools dedicated to remembering the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our Great Country. 9-11 changed all of our lives forever. On the 21th Anniversary of 9-11, the Redwood Christian Schools community (RCS) once again gathered to remember and recognize the sacrifice of the First Responders and their families paid on 9-11, as well as those lives lost since then. We are so thankful for our First Responders and military, who continue to protect all of us today, at home and overseas.
On September 9, Mrs. Lynn Conley led her and Mrs. Laura Vanegas' third grade classes, in honoring not only our military and those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, but also First Responders, who risk their lives daily. Mrs. Conley’s brother, Will Seuis, died while serving as an Oakland Police Officer in 2004. Officer Seuis graduated from Redwood Christian High School in 1984.
Students are taught to honor First Responders (law enforcement, fire and EMTs) as well as those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces. This is not taught passively, but with the purpose to ensure that our students remember that their lives are safer due to the sacrifices of those who serve us.
Our program began with the color guard from the CV Veteran's of Foreign Wars presenting the flags. Leading the Pledge to the American Flag was Maya Mekonnen, and the Christian Flag was Caden Hu. Leading the Pledge to the Bible was Sarah Choi, and Hudson Kahn in prayer. Mrs. Conley led everyone in singing our National Anthem. The poem “Take A Moment” by Joanna Fuchs was recited by the third grade classes, bringing our focus onto everyone who has and is protecting each of us. “Thank You for Your Service" composed by RCS Music Teacher Beverly Mayne was sung showing our continued appreciation for those who protect and serve us.
Law enforcement officers from the Oakland Police Department where Mrs. Conley’s brother Will served, as well as the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the Castro Valley California Highway Patrol office, the Alameda County Fire Department and Royal Ambulance also attended and were recognized for their dedication and service to our community.
Mrs. Conley reminded all present why it was so important to always remember those who sacrificed their lives for us, and those to serve us today. All of the military branches were represented (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard) and recognized all present for their military, active and veterans, and First Responders for their service.
Local Heroes were honored by Student Paul Huitsing, who read a tribute to the United States Military Service Members and student Joshua Redemer read a tribute to Firefighters, and student Madison Jones, daughter of Oakland Police Officer Tony Jones, read a tribute to those who serve us in law enforcement. Mrs. Conley led everyone present singing God Bless America.
The 2022 Patriots Day Assembly was closed by Dr. Al Hearne, Superintendent of Redwood Christian Schools, who thanked everyone who makes the event so memorable, recognized and thanked those who serve us, reminded the students to “look around at all our first responders who are honoring us today. They do what they do because they want to help make the world a better place” and they should go up to them and thank them for helping to keep them safe. Dr. Hearne stated “My prayer today is that we end the rhetoric and instead enter back into community, into dialogue, where we work together to solve problems and work, with God’s help, to make this the best possible place for all Americans to live, on this side of Heaven.” Superintendent Hearne then prayed for our First Responders and those who serve us in the military.
After the chapel, our honorees – veterans and those currently serving in our Military as well as First Responders – remained and shared time by visiting with the students in the parking lot. Students were excited to sit on Oakland Police Department motorcycles (and receiving their own badge), sit in an Alameda County Sheriff car, get an up close look at an Alameda County Fire Engine and their equipment, learned how and an ambulance siren is used, and all of our First Responders posed for as many pictures the students wanted with their new found heroes.
The leadership of Redwood Christian Schools uses every opportunity to “instill a Spirit of Patriotism” (one of our Core Values) by fostering a Love for our Great Country, remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in the Greatest Country on Earth, as well as those who serve us every day as our First Responders.
Redwood Christian Elementary Principal Megan Sinisi stated “Our students always make me proud and today was exceptional in every way! The respect they continue to show for our First Responders and miliary service members, both past and present, is so special. And their parents and other family members did not hesitate to participate in every aspect of the chapel and parking lot activities modeling for their kids Love of Country and appreciation for everyone in uniform or who have served us. Teaching Love of Country and admiration of First Responders is the responsibility of all of us. The entire chapel and post-chapel activities truly blessed everyone present!”
Indoor photos by Rachel Wadsworth
Outdoor photos by Deborah Fosdahl
