It is hard to believe that this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, a day that will forever remain in our thoughts and hearts. Our students are of an age where they learn why we commemorate this sacred day but thankfully, they never felt the emptiness that we all experienced on this devastating day twenty years ago. Even through all of the devastations, a sense of commemoratory rose from the ashes with all Americans. It was a significant time in our history because it was one of the most incredible displays of the American spirit. If we learned nothing else from this day, life is short, and there is no time for hate. Former President George W. Bush shared the following:
“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.”
I recently learned that several of our former Prosper ISD students have been deployed to Afghanistan. This news came with a mix of emotions. I was incredibly proud to know that our students serving is one of the highest honors in our world, but I also felt an ache in my heart for their mothers and loved ones.
The Town of Prosper, Prosper Fire Rescue, and Prosper ISD have joined forces to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of 9/11. It is not just a day to honor; it is a day to remember and honor those who have served our country through the military or through being a first responder. Many of you in our community have personal ties to this important date in our history. I invite our community to join us for a day to honor and respect those who serve and will serve. Please join us on 9/11/2021 at Children’s Health Stadium at Prosper ISD from 9:00-10:30 am as we remember the day that will never be erased from the memory of time. The Prosper Fire Rescue will have a beam from the Twin Towers on display for all to see, and we will have performances by our students and community members. We will be honoring our active and former military, first responders, and senior citizens with reserved seating on the field. We ask for all other visitors to bring a blanket as they join us.
I hope that the Prosper Community will join together to show respect to those that serve and have served by giving a moment to show that we as a community will “Never Forget.”
We are Prosper. We are one.
Dr. Holly Ferguson, Prosper ISD Superintendent
