Crockett Schools Plan Day Of Remembrance, Recognition For Sept. 11

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT — Crockett ISD will give Friday’s 25th anniversary observance of Sept. 11 a distinctly local focus, with students and staff honoring the first responders and military personnel who serve the community and country.

The day will begin with the community’s Patriot Day 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at 8:40 a.m. in Downtown Park at 201 North Fifth Street. The ceremony will include participation from the Crockett High School Band, with refreshments and a brunch to follow.

The main school-related event will take place later that morning, when Crockett ISD hosts an honor luncheon for local first responders from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Administration Cafetorium, 1400 W. Austin St.

The luncheon will offer both dine-in and takeout meals as the district recognizes local police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other first responders for their service.

Crockett Early Childhood Center is also marking the day with a “Red, White and Ready to Learn” attendance theme. Students are encouraged to wear red, white and blue as part of the observance.

The day’s recognition will continue Friday night at Driskell Stadium, where the Crockett Bulldogs will host New Waverly in varsity football.

Crockett ISD is inviting all first responders and military personnel to attend the game and take part in a special on-field recognition. Those wearing a uniform and/or badge will receive free general admission. Anyone wishing to participate in the recognition is asked to arrive by 7:15 p.m. to line the field.

The Bulldogs’ home game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Crockett’s observance of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 will begin with the city’s Patriot Day–9/11 Memorial Ceremony at Downtown Park and continue throughout the day with several Crockett ISD activities honoring first responders, military personnel and the community’s commitment to remembrance.

The memorial ceremony is scheduled for 8:40 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Downtown Park.

At 8:46 a.m., Crockett Fire Department Chief Jason Frizzell will toll the bell. Ansel Bradshaw of The Messenger will lead an observance of the 9/11 timeline and a moment of silence, followed by TAPS, performed by veteran James Jellum.

Pastor Leon Wallace of Good Shepherd Fellowship Church will give the invocation. Oliver Stephens, a homeschooled seventh-grade student, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Dr. Ianthia Fisher will issue a proclamation before the Crockett High School Band performs the national anthem.

Remarks will be presented by Houston County Judge Jim Lovell, Houston County Sheriff Zac Benge, Crockett Police Chief Clayton Smith, Jeff Garner of American Legion Post 134 and Justin Brent of the Crockett Fire Department.

Pastor Chuck Allen will perform “Amazing Grace,” followed by a closing prayer from Pastor David Beaulieu of Crockett Lifepointe Church.

Charlana Kelly of Speak Truth Global Outreach will close the ceremony and introduce the Crockett High School Band. A brunch hosted by Kelly and Speak Truth Global Outreach will follow.

The schedule will carry Crockett’s observance from a formal memorial ceremony at Downtown Park to the school cafeteria, early childhood classrooms and the football field, giving residents several opportunities throughout the day to remember Sept. 11 and recognize those who serve.

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]