On Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, Liberty Elementary School came together to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and honor the resilience, unity and service that emerged in the aftermath of that historic day.

Music filled the Liberty Elementary School parking lot as first responders gathered alongside students and staff for the special remembrance ceremony. Under sunny skies and a gentle breeze, teachers and administrators prepared a refreshment table as a small token of appreciation for the first responders whose dedication and service support the community every day.

 

Liberty Elementary was honored to welcome local first responders, including members of the New York State Police, Swan Lake Fire Department, Village of Liberty Police Department, Liberty Fire Department, Mobile Medic, White Sulphur Springs FD , Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department with K-9 Unit, Retired NYS Troopers and police officer, White Lake Fire Department, and Monticello Fire Department. They joined students and staff for a special remembrance ceremony recognizing the sacrifices made and the enduring spirit of community.

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Despite their young age, students stood quietly in reflection, demonstrating both respect and understanding of the day’s significance. Principal Robert England spoke about the events of Sept. 11 in an age-appropriate way, helping students understand what happened while emphasizing the values of community, courage and service that emerged in its aftermath.

 

The students demonstrated that, even 25 years later, the meaning of Sept. 11 continues to be passed on to younger generations. For second-grade student Neriah, the lessons of the day are reinforced both at school and at home through conversations with family members. When asked who was being honored during the ceremony, she proudly responded, “the ambulance.”

Village of Liberty Police Chief Steve D’Agata reflected on the importance of remembering Sept. 11 and expressed appreciation for the district’s efforts to educate students about its significance.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Mr. England and the Liberty School District for really taking the message of today to heart and organizing all this,” D’Agata said. “It’s important to make sure that we never forget the loss that our country went through and also how we came together.”

For many first responders and members of the community, the events of Sept. 11 are personal memories. Others were very young when the attacks occurred and learned about the events through stories shared by family members, educators and their communities.

D’Agata said that continuing events like this allows those stories to be passed down to a new generation.

“For a lot of our team, they were very young when 9/11 happened,” he said. “Some of us do remember exactly where we were, and I think part of today is passing that torch and continuing to tell the stories of that day and what happened.”

By bringing students and first responders together, Liberty Elementary continued the tradition of honoring those affected by the tragedy while ensuring the lessons of service, sacrifice and unity are never forgotten.

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