Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, marked 22 years since the lives of Americans were altered by the tragic events on Sept.  11, 2001. Early that day, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two of the planes were deliberately crashed into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third aimed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.  The fourth, Flight No. 93, crashed into an empty field in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back.

Every year on Patriot Day, Canyons School District remembers the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day, as well as the deaths of first responders since then, and those first responders who continue to struggle with the health effects from responding to the attacks.

All across Canyons, families may have noticed American and state flags flying at half-staff to remember those who died on that fateful day. Social studies classes included lessons on the events of Sept. 11, as all Canyons students were born into a post-9/11 world. 

Many of groups within Canyons work to honor the nation’s promise to “Never Forget.”

The Jordan High School girls’ soccer team is one such group.  The team has been commemorating Patriot Day for the past five years with a team jog from Jordan High to the Healing Fields at Sandy City Hall.

This year, they wanted to do more so they helped set up the field.

At the field, hundreds of volunteers each year help place 2,977 American flags in honor of those who perished in the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil. Each flag includes the name and story of a 9/11 victim.

Americans came together 22 years ago in a way the country had not seen in decades. Neighbors helping neighbors, flags flown from every home and business, and a sense of patriotism that we at Canyons School District work to embody every day.