Ceremonies, Remembrances in New Rochelle to Mark 9/11 Anniversary

All around New Rochelle plans are being made to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.

From learning opportunities to a candlelight vigil, schools and community will come together to honor those whose lives were lost Sept. 11, 2001.

At Columbus Elementary School, fifth-grade students will plant 2,977 American flags Friday in the lawn in front of the school beginning at 9 a.m. At 12:45 p.m through the end of the school day, classes will file outside to silently observe the flags.

School officials said it will be done within the context of "honoring those who perished as well as offering hope for a future of peace and liberty."

At 9:30 a.m. Friday, students and staff at Jefferson Elementary School will hold an assembly around the flagpole, singing patriotic songs, reading poems and participating in a moment of silence.

Other school activities include discussions about first responders for kindergarten to second-grade students at Davis Elementary School and discussions on the 9/11 attacks for grades three through five.

At Ward Elementary School, students and staff will wear red, white and blue colors for School Spirit Day. In addition to a moment of silence, students will write letters of thanks to firefighters and police, as well as soldiers stationed in the Middle East.

New Rochelle High School's first day Friday with all grade levels present will feature a morning memorial service over the public address system and a moment of silence at 8:39 a.m.

At the Campus School, the events of 9/11 will be discussed in certain classes, along with small group sessions with clinical staff. Students will be encouraged to participate in community activities.

The students at Isaac E. Young Middle School will have a short assembly with a fire department official. All social studies classes will have a central lesson and students will be doing "acts of service and kindness" throughout the day.

On Sunday, there will be a memorial ceremony and brick unveiling at Amy's Greenhouse at the Barnard School from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The greenhouse is a living memorial to Amy O'Doherty, the daughter of Geraldine Davis, a retired Barnard teacher. O'Doherty died in the World Trade Center attack.

Also on Friday, American flags—one for each person who died on 9/11—will be planted in front of City Hall beginning at 6 p.m. in advance of the Sunday 8 p.m. candlelight vigil in front of City Hall.

"Serve and Learn: Westchester Remembers 9/11" will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the County Center in White Plains. The event provides volunteer opportunities at about 120 organizations, 15 of which are in New Rochelle.

On Sunday in addition to the 8 p.m. candlelight vigil at City Hall, the Sharing Shelf of the Family Services of Westchester will hold a Day of Service from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., a Day of Chesed, Service and Remembrance will be held at the Jewish Community Center MidWestchester in Scarsdale.