Remembering 9/11 in the schools: South Caldwell Never Forget Project

LENOIR, NC (September 11, 2019) — Schools across campus held a moment of silence to remember those who fell and those who were heroic during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and students in the Young Americans for Freedom Club at South Caldwell High School displayed 9-11 on the front hill with 2,977 American flags honoring each of the victims that have not been forgotten.

Senior, founder, and president of the Young Americans for Freedom chapter at South Caldwell High School Taylor Austin said that the 9/11 Never Forget Project is a way to involve the community and the students, “Most of us weren’t even alive when this happened, but we still need to remember what this country went through – it’s never been the same since.”

Austin and the few club members along with Austin’s family members spent yesterday evening placing American flags in the configuration of 9/11, with each flag representing a victim. “We were here for several hours last night putting it together,” said club member Mackenzie Denning. “Taylor did a great job of getting all of this organized. It’s a good thing to do.”

“That doesn’t sound like a huge amount of work, but when you’re on your knees putting all of those flags in the ground, you realize just how many people that is,” said Austin.

Austin was introduced to the idea of the Young Americans for Freedom Club last summer at the Reagan Ranch in California, “I heard the vice president of the national organization speak, and I was inspired to begin a chapter at South,” said Austin. Her family members are some of her biggest supporters, “My grandma is a huge supporter and donates time and resources to the club. She sponsored the purchase of all the flags.”

This is the second year of the Young Americans for Freedom Club at South Caldwell High School and Jeremy Brooks, history teacher serves as the advisor.

“It makes me feel good that we have students who are willing to get involved,” said Austin. “Just seeing the flags today helps us not forget all the lives lost, but they also represent the loss suffered by each individual and that person’s family and community.”