CAHS Patriots to take part in 9/11 ceremony
CONNELLSVILLE — The Connellsville Area High School Patriots have carried out numerous missions through its program and on Sept. 11 will join with others at the Flight 93 Memorial to remember the patriots that died at Shanksville a decade ago.
The school board recently approved the trip that will depart from Junior High East at 5:30 a.m. and take part in the memorial program.
“It is an opportunity to go and take part in an historical event,” said Linda Shearer, district teacher and founder of the organization. “I believe it will be a memorable experience for these students.”
Shearer said that participants additionally include other community leaders and residents.
Dr. Paul Means and Dr. P.J. Carte, both district board members, and their families plan to join the Patriots.
“It was a day that changed all of our lives and we want to be a part of the commemoration of the event,” said Means. “I think it is very important to remember those who lost their lives that day and feel it is very important to have our children be involved.”
Carte said he will be accompanied by his son, who was only a few months old when terrorists hijacked four airliners and crashed two of them into the World Trade Center’s twin towers in New York and a third aircraft into the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.
The fourth airliner — United Airlines Flight 93 — crashed into an open farm field in Somerset County.
“Sept. 11, 2001, was an important part of our nation’s history,” said Carte.
“We want to make the trip to Shanksville on this 10th anniversary as a way to remember and honor those who died.
“Since our youth guide our future, we believe that this will be an important experience for Parker. He has only heard and read about what happened that day.”
Shearer, meanwhile, said that the bulk of the 120 seats have been filled. Cost to travel with the group is $10. The fee includes a T-shirt that was designed for the trip.
The red, white and blue shirt depicts the three 9/11 crash sites with a “Connellsville Remembers 9-11” inscription.
Interest in the trip has sparked the creation of a waiting list should seating become available.
Shearer said that she hopes all those taking part in the trip will wear the shirt to the ceremony.
“I think it will make the statement that Connellsville has not forgotten what took place that day and will forever remember the heroes aboard Flight 93,” she said.
The shirts are also available to the general public and can be purchased for $10 at Connellsville City Hall, Armstrong and Curves or by calling Shearer at 724-322-1494.