‘We are cheering them on’: Washington County schools mark Patriot Day by honoring local heroes

Written by Nick Yamashita
September 11, 2023

WASHINGTON — Washington and Riverside elementary students and staff marked Sept. 11 — Patriot Day — by honoring and cheering on their local heroes — first responders, military personnel and veterans.

Students sing “God Bless the U.S.A.” to local heroes during the Hero Day at Washington Elementary for Patriot Day, Washington, Utah, Sept. 11, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News

“This is important so that we will never forget,” Washington Elementary Principal Kelly Mitchell said. “We made that pledge 22 years ago that we would never forget and we’re never going to forget here either.”

Mitchell said it is essential that events such as this one carry on the significance of 9/11 and make sure “these little ones” have it instilled in their minds what a great country they live in.

“It’s a great way to recognize those currently living who maybe didn’t sacrifice their lives in 2001 but certainly are sacrificing their livelihood today,” said Riverside Elementary Principal Steven Leavenworth, adding that it helps the students understand, be aware of and celebrate the men and women who protect the nation every day.

The Hero Walk and Hero Day traditions were introduced by current school district board member Burke Staheli when he was principal at both schools. For Washington Elementary, it was 20 years ago, and at Riverside Elementary it was 12 years ago.

“It started first with just Washington City officials, employees and police/fire, but it’s expanded to parents, communities of St. George, Hurricane, any parents involved with healthcare, police or fire, veterans,” Leavenworth said. “We just want to celebrate them on Patriot Day.”

Students congratulate local heroes during the Hero Walk at Riverside Elementary for Patriot Day, Washington, Utah, Sept. 11, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Washington Elementary students who sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood during a patriotic assembly while the first responders and families were recognized by those gathered.

At Riverside Elementary, Learning Coach Jade Bluemel lined up the invited heroes and their families at the doors starting at one end of the hallway. After an announcement of the special guests, students and staff lined the walls of the hallways. The Hero Walk started as the heroes and families made their way down the hallways, high-fiving students and shaking hands, while students yelled out “thank you”

The students wore grade-level identifying hats with the words “police,” “fire,” “nurse” or “doctor” while holding their works of art in shapes of stars, flags and patriotic tokens.

Children got to wear fire hats and police vests and even got to see what handcuffs were like. Others got to put stethoscopes in their ears and listen to their heartbeats.

Multiple agencies and hospitals were represented, including Washington City Police, Washington City Fire, St. George Police, Hurricane Police, Hurricane Fire, Gold Cross Ambulance, and St. George Regional Hospital.

Local heroes and their families enjoy donuts during the Hero Walk at Riverside Elementary for Patriot Day, Washington, Utah, Sept. 11, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

There was even one firefighter who came from Los Angeles County to be present on this special day at Riverside Elementary with his family.

Both principals reiterated how much these individuals sacrifice every day, putting their lives on the line, working long hours and serving citizens.

Leavenworth said it doesn’t matter if they are a veteran, serving in the military, police, fire or healthcare professionals, this was their day to be celebrated.

“We’re just so thankful to celebrate them and they truly are heroes for each of us,” he said. “We are cheering them on!”

St. George News Reporter Cody Blowers contributed to this report.

 

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Yamashita has extensive experience reporting for small town media, covering a variety of subjects and events for The Virgin River Times and The Progress in Southern Nevada. Before a career in journalism, he worked a variety of jobs in criminal justice systems. Yamashita holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University. He is an award-winning photographer and writer. He has been published in scholarly articles and poetry compilations. In his spare time, he practices and teaches martial arts.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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