By: Joey Millwood
On Friday, September 11th, history came to life for the 7th graders at Landrum Middle School. In conjunction with their book study of Alan Gratz’s Ground Zero in his class, Mr. Millwood organized his annual 9/11 Panel.
This year’s guests included former Major League pitcher DJ Mattox, Landrum Fire Chief Warren Ashmore, Petty Funeral Home owner/operator Paula Dotson, retired Army Corporal Derek Willard, retired Marine Staff Sergeant Michael Reid, former flight attendant Stacy Rosenbaum, and airline pilot Captain Garry Lawson.
The panelists discussed the tragedy of 9/11 and its lasting impact on American life from their unique perspectives. Speakers shared powerful personal accounts—from witnessing smoke over the towers from a hotel rooftop and assisting families with identification efforts at Ground Zero in the days following, to battling the Taliban in Afghanistan and navigating major changes to airline security protocols.
Through these firsthand stories, students gained a deeper understanding of the history, solemnity, and reverence surrounding this pivotal moment in American history.