St. Mark School honors 'patriots' on 9/11 anniversary

SOUTHWEST RANCHES | Students at St. Mark School were among the first in the Archdiocese of Miami to mark the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Then again, they have commemorated Patriots Day for a decade now.

Their tradition is to celebrate an all-school Mass on a day close to the anniversary — this year, Sept. 8 — where they invite all the parents and grandparents who have served or are currently serving in the military, first responders, and community service personnel.

"We honor these amazing men and women at the Mass with a big thank you and a beautiful blessing," said Teresita Wardlow, St. Mark's principal. "Our students also show off their American pride by wearing red/white/blue accessories with their uniforms."

For the past decade, students also have written letters to active service men and women overseas.

"We have received a special American flag each year that was flown on the bases of Iraq. This year we won't be doing this; however, we still want to write to them somehow. We are making some connections to be able to thank them and welcome them home," said Wardlow. "This is and has always been a very special day at St. Mark."

Other archdiocesan schools also are planning special events to commemorate the anniversary. See a list here.