Providence Academy hosted its annual 9/11 tribute and salute to first responders Friday morning on its Plymouth campus.
Marking 25 years since the terrorist attack, the tribute included a procession of first responder vehicles from more than 19 departments across Hennepin County and 2,977 American flags lining the school’s drive — one for each life lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
A ceremony following the procession included remarks from T. John Cunningham, assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, who was serving as a firefighter in Connecticut at the time of 9/11 and responded to Ground Zero.
Others who were expected to attend the ceremony included Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Plymouth Mayor Jeffry Wosje, Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson, the Plymouth City Council, Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson and the Maple Grove City Council, and members of the Providence Academy Board of Directors.
Providence Academy opened its doors for the first time in 2001, just one week before the attacks of Sept. 11.
“The events profoundly shaped the young school and its community,” the school said in a press release.
“Several years later, Providence Academy’s student pro-life organization, Lions for Life, began placing 2,977 American flags along the school’s drive and main entrance, one for every life lost in the September 11 attacks. The tradition continues each year.”
According to Providence Academy, local first responders asked for permission to drive through campus in 2015 to view the flags as a way of recognizing the anniversary.
“Headmaster Dr. Todd Flanders agreed and organized the entire school community to line the drive and entrance in silence, hands over their hearts, as first responders passed through campus,” the school said.
“That moment became an annual tradition. Providence Academy alumni frequently identify the 9/11 tribute as one of the most profound and memorable experiences of their time at the school.”
