“Never Forget”: How Providence Academy Honors the 25th Anniversary of September 11th

Written By: Lola Illies

“Standing 75 to 100 feet above the ground on an unstable pile of debris, searching alongside your team and hoping to find someone who’s still alive- that’s reality,” described Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, John Cunningham. 

Gusts of wind swept through the scene as the American flags decorating the Providence Academy campus blew with pride. People of every age came together to honor and remember one thing: the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. 

Students, parents, and faculty members joined together to honor 9/11 and unite in grief in front of  Providence Academy. From band performances to guest speakers, Providence took this tradition to the next level this year, honoring the 25th anniversary.

Providence had been open for six days in 2001 when the tragedy struck; the school witnessed it in the classrooms and throughout the building. It was real to them. Tom McKee, the current Corcoran mayor, was a seventh grader at Providence Academy on September 11th and returned to Providence for the remembrance ceremony. McKee admired the turnout of people while remembering his experience of the event. 

“We got an announcement from Dr. Flanders early in the morning, and then we got an update at lunch when we found out about the Pentagon and Flight 93. You’re not quite sure how to feel, and not quite sure what was going on; it was a scary time for sure,” said McKee. 

Since that day, Providence has committed to remembering 9/11, making sure the memory of the tragedy is not forgotten for generations to come. 

The ceremony began with the band performing the national anthem, setting a solemn and respectful tone for the gathering. Following the anthem, the Plymouth Fire Department’s bagpipe players performed “Amazing Grace,” adding a deeply reflective moment to the ceremony. The performances concluded with a trumpet player performing “Taps,” honoring the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and those who have served in its aftermath. 

“Today, as we have for so many years, we are honoring not only the memory of those first responders whose lives were lost, but also honoring the service of first responders today in our communities who are willing to lay down their lives for others,” said Headmaster Dr. Todd Flanders. 

Vehicles from the fire department and police department from all over the Twin Cities drove through the Providence campus, admiring the flags set up that recognize each of the fallen whose lives were taken the day of the tragedy. 

Alongside Providence Academy community members, twenty-six fire departments, police departments, public safety agencies, and emergency medical crews joined on campus from Hennepin County and across the state. 

Many of these people were in New York or knew people who were present during the attacks; one of them, John Cunningham, a guest speaker at the ceremony, was at Ground Zero the day of the tragedy and worked to help rescue those who were still trapped in the buildings. 

“Our team, along with several other specialized rescue units from Connecticut and New York, were mobilized and sent towards New York City. The atmosphere was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was chaotic, emotional, and very uncertain,” said Cunningham.

At the ceremony, the turnout of officers from all across the state made one thing clear: the community within these departments. This community was described by Cunningham as a “brotherhood,” highlighting the importance that they still support each other to this day. 

“When you meet good people that have a common mission, especially when it’s service-oriented, it’s important that you share a common bond, and that you’re always there. I was just on the phone last night talking about what it means to, 25 years later, all support each other, and that’s what is important,” said Cunningham. 

Showing up for each other is what makes a community so special. Even though the students currently attending the school were not alive in 2001, they continue to learn about the event every year through tradition. 

“It’s really heartwarming to see all the students at Providence here coming out. No one was alive at that point in time and having a viewpoint of looking back at what happened; it’s moving to see all of the students pay tribute,” said Jeff Wosje, Plymouth Mayor. 

Despite their differences, the country was united through this horrific event. Sacrifices were made, and the United States changed before everyone’s eyes. Whether witnessed firsthand, heard about on the radio, or not experienced in one’s lifetime, its importance remains the same. 

25 years later, Providence Academy continues to bring generations together to honor those who lost their lives and those who continue to serve. We are grateful for the sacrifices made on September 11th, and we honor them so that they are never forgotten.

“On September 11, 2001, our differences disappeared. Our politics and beliefs didn’t matter; our backgrounds didn’t matter. We were Americans. We were united in grief, united in our anger, united in resilience, and united in our determination to move forward together. We truly became the United States of America,” said Cunningham.