The Jefferson High School Air Force JROTC conducted the annual Patriots Day Ceremony earlier today. The Jefferson Fire Department, Jefferson Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and the City of Jefferson Mayor and Councilmen, among other veterans and first responders, were in attendance at the special event. Chief Budell Willis and Group Commander Aubrey Meyer directed the ceremony, while Director of Operations Amelia Cunningham addressed the audience with a moving speech to commemorate the tragic 9/11 attacks that took place years ago. After the ceremony, Amelia stated, “It was an honor to be able to remember and memorialize the event with so many community members gathered together at the school.” Other ceremony traditions include the fire department raising the ladder, the flag flying at half-mast, the playing of "Taps," and the AFJROTC cadets standing in honor. This year, the playing "Taps" was performed by JHS senior Cassie Sommers.
The ceremony was live-streamed for all JCS students to watch in their classrooms. You can access the recording here.