In Honor: Harlingen-area children thank first responders

HARLINGEN — Children from Harlingen area schools wore red, white and blue on Friday and honored those who serve our communities every day.

Wilson Elementary School and the city of Primera hosted a memorial 9/11 event at school Friday morning. Children from St. Paul Academy in Harlingen observed the 10th anniversary by delivering handmade “thank you” cards to firefighters and police officers.

Wilson Elementary Principal Kristi David said their event was held to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks 10 years ago, and to honor the heroes and first responders who risk their lives every day.

At Wilson, first-grade through fifth-grade students gathered and watched as the colors were presented by the Harlingen High School ROTC and second grader Everardo Aguirre led his classmates in the pledge of allegiance.

Guests included a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, a U.S. Navy petty officer and constables from Precincts 3, 4 and 7, as well as police officers from Palm Valley and Rio Hondo.

Primera City Manager Javier Mendez read a statement written by Primera Mayor Pat Patterson, who could not attend the event.

As the ceremony went on, a SPEC Ambulance Service helicopter landed and police and fire sirens sounded to commemorate the precise time the attacks began.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes contributed to the event with a handmade flag.

“We want to share the message of 9/11 with our young ones who were not yet born when 9/11 took place,” David said.

St. Paul Academy second and third graders visited Harlingen police and firefighters to personally thank them for their public safety work, delivering handmade “thank you” cards to the first responders.

Betsy Fields’ second graders and Rachel Bourassa’s third graders shook hands with Fire Chief Mike Rinaldi and other firefighters at Fire Station No. 8.

“We really enjoy the kids,” Rinaldi said. “The expression on their faces is great, and they all want to shake our hands.”

Rinaldi added that it is very important to explain to children what happened on 9/11.

Police officers and Police Chief Tom Whitten also accepted thank-you cards from children Friday afternoon.

Whitten used two words to describe the children’s’ visit: “It’s awesome.”

“This is a privilege to have the kids come to the police department. It’s part of our community policing services,” he said.

Second grader Angelina Diaz said she had a lot of fun drawing the thank-you cards.

“We are celebrating Patriot Day and honoring 9/11,” Bourassa said. “It was very exciting for my class to visit the firefighters and police officers.”

The students ended each visit assembled around the flag pole, each bowing their heads in prayer for those who serve the community every day.