9-11 remembered at Villanova

Students and staff at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School joined members of the LaSalle Fire Department, in remembering 9/11. A Memorial Climb was held in the school’s bleachers to remember firefighters who were going up and down several flights of stairs in attempts to save lives at the World Trade Center in New York.

Staff and students at St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School did their part to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Catholic high school held a 9/11 Memorial Climb last Friday morning, 25 years to the day when terrorist attacks occurred in the United States and saw nearly 3,000 people killed. Among those who perished were 343 firefighters, with the climb up and down the outdoor bleachers at Villanova being a tribute to the firefighters at the World Trade Centre in New York that were attempting to save lives that fateful day a quarter of a century ago.

The Memorial Climb was done in partnership with the LaSalle Fire Department, with Firefighter Stephanie Dufour stating they wanted to show the younger generation that it was not only a tragic piece of history, but that the firefighters, other first responders and civilians who died that day should be remembered.

“We have the opportunity to educate them, get involved with them, and to let them get to know us a little more,” said Dufour. “It’s our way to honour who we lost on 9/11.”

“They ran towards danger when everyone else ran away.”

Dufour, a 2014 graduate of St. Thomas of Villanova, added she was only four-years-old when 9/11 happened but it was a tragic event that shaped the world, adding it is also important to remember those still feeling the effects of that day.

Hunter Lee Roehrich, a student at Villanova, said he has a family connection to 9/11.

“It really hits a deep part in my heart as my uncle was a part of 9/11,” he said.

Roehrich said his uncle saw the event as he was in New York that day. Although it was before his time, Roehrich added he can still feel the emotion by watching videos of that day. 

“It’s sad to see people lose their loved ones,” he said.

Theo Bortolin, another Villanova student who climbed over 50 flights in the bleachers to commemorate the fallen first responders, said he wanted to join his peers in honouring the firefighters. Bortolin added they need to keep bringing awareness to the fallen and “commemorate them in a good way.”

Daniel Chisesi added he didn’t know anyone specifically who lost their life that day but wanted to join his classmates in paying tribute to those who died. He said the firefighters had “unbelievable courage” as the ran towards the burning towers and tried to save people even though their own lives were in danger.

This was the second time St. Thomas of Villanova Secondary School teamed with the LaSalle Fire Department for the Memorial Climb. Physical education and leadership classes took part, with physical education teacher Michael Baran stating the school was approached by the LaSalle Fire Department about doing the commemorative event.

“They asked if they could use our bleachers as stairs and to use it as a school event,” said Baran.

Firefighters wore their gear while doing the climb with staff members at Villanova, including principal Danielle Desjardins, also wearing the equipment.

“This is to help us understand the gravity of what happened,” said Baran. “It helps you to reflect on the situation. It really puts it into perspective.”

Baran said he wants to keep doing the Memorial Climb every year to keep remembering the fallen and the sacrifices they made.

“It’s important not to forget.”

9-11 remembered at Villanova

By Ron Giofu