By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Chilton Christian Academy honored local emergency responders and remembered the events of Sept. 11, 2001 during a schoolwide event.

Marine Corps Reserves Sgt. Jason Perkins was the guest speaker.

“Merriam-Webster defines a patriot as one who loves or supports his or her country and its interests with devotion,” Perkins said. “It is fitting that today, on the anniversary of a horrendous day in American history we together stand here … to remember those who ran toward that call of duty and ran toward to the sound of chaos. The losses on that day were countless but the response was courageous.”

Perkins said he was a senior in high school on that fateful day. He recounted how an administrator told students a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center tower.

“We changed classes, trying to be as normal as possible, looking to each other for support in what was a very fearful and confusing time,” Perkins said.

He said he will never forget watching the efforts of first responders and civilians trying to save others.

“This bravery resounded through the country as we all watched and prayed,” Perkins said.

He said these people were a light in a dark place, such as is described in John 1:5.

“You don’t have to have been there on that day to continue to be a light,” Perkins said. “There is an opportunity every day to be the light in someone else’s life.”

Perkins now works for Alabama Sports Foundation which oversees the Alabama State Games and mentors young people. He said the organization also highlights the sacrifices of veterans, teachers and first responders.

Each emergency responder present was introduced. They represented a number of local and regional emergency response departments. Students and attendees clapped for them.

CCA student choirs sang patriotic songs during the event.