Students at Patriot High School felt a range of emotions upon seeing, touching and ruminating on a steel beam pulled from the ruins of the World Trade Center after 9/11.
“It is crazy to think that a beam from the World Trade Center is here [in Jurupa Valley]", said Jorge, a junior at Patriot. “I have never been to New York and never thought I would see an exhibit like this so close."
It was the second straight year that local firefighters brought the 9/11 beam to PHS. The exhibit, a mobile memorial, helps students better comprehend the 2001 terrorist strike that killed almost 3,000 Americans and shocked the nation.
More than 500 students – almost none of whom were alive on 9/11 – took part in the daylong viewing event, along with teachers, a few veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, and JUSD Trustees Karen Bradford and Melissa Ragole.
There was no formal program; the day was about students absorbing the exhibit – a weathered beam fastened to a trailer alongside U.S. flags and the names of all 343 firefighters who died serving others on 9/11.
“It is devastating seeing all of the names of those who sacrificed their lives for us," said Alyson, a Patriot junior.
The beam visit was coordinated by Bob Green, a Patriot teacher whose father, retired San Bernardino County Fire Captain Bob Green Sr., was among the firefighters who obtained the beam from the Port Authority of New York. The moving exhibit offers a visceral way to help students to grasp the 9/11 story of atrocity, heroism, and loss.
“Each student looked up one firefighter's name and learned about his personal story: looked at his picture, wife, kids, station assignment, school, hobbies, etc., then found his name on the memorial, touched the beam, and discussed and hopefully appreciated his sacrifice – personally," Mr. Green said.
For example, Jorge researched the first name on the memorial: Peter J. Ganci Jr. – the highest-ranking firefighter, as chief of department, to die from the 9/11 terror strike. “He was 54 years old, was on his way to court that day (for jury duty) and wasn't supposed to go to work," Jorge said. “He was called into duty and died that day."
Other students also found lessons, connections, and stories of grit, dedication and courage:
Andrew: “I learned that the first responder Vincent Kane was in his 30s. He liked to play the guitar and was a vegetarian. Vincent was just like anyone else."
Alyson: “I learned that there were so many heroes. I hope that people today would sacrifice their lives like the people did back then."
Genavy: “It is overwhelming. No one can ever prepare for something like this. Their families will never be the same."
Students found the first responders human, sympathetic, and relatable, said Alison Cherry, Patriot teacher. “This could be them," she said. “The horror on 9/11 was real and it matters."
Shawna Dochnahl, also a Patriot teacher, added: “I want my students to learn cause/effect from this memorial. Because of this event, many Americans joined the military and are still fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ultimately, I want my students to learn about sacrifice and humanity."
