High school students today were not alive to witness the tragic events of 9/11 but that doesn’t mean they do not care about that day or its significance. Every year on September 11th, the student body of Uintah High School gathers outside at the flag pole for a very special ceremony organized by the Uintah High Student Council. The school’s old flag is retired and a new flag is raised in its place. Once the flag is at full mast the student body recites the pledge of allegiance together in unison and then the flag is lowered to half mast in respect for 9/11. The school’s Highlights choir sings the Star Spangled Banner and this year Ms. Shipton spoke to the students and encouraged them to think about the significance of that day in American history. Sophomore Vice President Trevan Spiers says that even though they did not live during the events of 9/11, the students still treat it with respect and understand the sacred nature of the ceremony held each year at Uintah High School. “9/11 was a tragic day in our history,” shares Trevan. “I wasn’t alive but everyone I talk to about it can tell me exactly where they were on that day. It provides for me even more assurance that the freedoms we have in this country are a privilege beyond anything we can even imagine. I don’t think we can fully grasp just how lucky we are to experience the freedoms that we do.” Trevan says a special part of the ceremony this year was the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders. As students arrived at the school, flags were lined up held by the Patriot Guard Riders and student council. Along with the American flag, they held special flags to represent firefighters, police, and EMTs. Thanks to the Uintah High Student Council, Patriot Guard Riders, Uintah administration, and student body for setting a true example of patriotism and respect for the fallen.
