Student Senate members attended the 9/11 ceremony in downtown Tyler on Monday, Sept. 11th. The faith-based organization invited over 20 schools, for the first time, to join them in recognizing fallen officers and their families from around the area.

“I admired the ceremony as a whole,” said Charles McNeal. “It was very nice that the community came together as a group to pay tribute to a very memorable event.”

Different schools participated in the event, including Grace Community School’s drumline and Brook Hill’s choir. Various State Representatives spoke in respect and memory of the fallen.

“I thought is was very meaningful to the families and everyone who participated,” said Senate adviser Mrs. Tracy Steele. “It was respectful patriotism and I thoroughly enjoyed our time there.”

To conclude the ceremony, students released balloons while the band played TAPS and the flag was lowered. Each balloon represented a first responder who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country on that fateful day.

“It was really uplifting to see so many schools come together”, said senior Senate member Ryane Read. “We were all able to reflect and respect the people who helped contribute on September 11th.”

Student Senate is a school organization who is active in helping their community. They are currently collecting donations for their annual Shoes For Kids Fundraiser until Friday, October 13.