Today, Mount Carmel School’s Junior Statesmen of America, Sacred Heart chapter, will join the world in commemorating the eighth anniversary of 9/11.
The JSA, headed by its president Maria Balajadia, is inviting the community to attend today’s school-sponsored Mass at the Mount Carmel Cathedral in Susupe.
Before the end of the mass, a special prayer commemorating 9/11 will be recited by the entire school community together with the observance of a moment of silence in honor of those whose lives were taken by this terrible tragedy.
On campus, the students have posted pictures, poems and articles about 9/11 at their bulletin boards.
“We want this event more visible to the students,” Balajadia said.
This is the second year that the JSA is commemorating 9/11.
Next year, Balajadia said they will explore more educational activities that “will be much bigger.”
JSA vice president Kevin Bautista said their activity is supported by the other students and the school administration.
“We always aim for awareness in society,” he said.
Bautista said 9/11 has had a tremendous impact that is still felt around the world, especially by the children of those serving in the U.S. armed forces..
This year’s commemoration will also be highlighted by the recent return of CNMI troops, he added.
Terrorists should be intimidated because it is “ America they are fighting and America is strong,” he said.
He urged other schools on island to initiate their own 9/11 activities or actively participate in similar events.
Mount Carmel School president Margaret Dela Cruz said the school is very supportive of the activities of the students which include the JSA.
“This is a learning activity for them. They are student leaders and this is one way of developing their leadership,” she added.
