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Van Buren County students remembering our fallen on 9/11
Posted: 09.11.2012 at 6:39 PM
Vanessa Alonso

Vanessa Alonso is a meteorologist and news reporter with KTVO.

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KEOSAUQUA, IOWA -- Tuesday marks the 11 year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon.

One Heartland community is remembering the attacks and those who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom.

Van Buren County High School in Keosauqua is holding Iowa's Remembering Our Fallen Display from now until Sunday.

The display includes pictures and names of fallen Iowa soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting to protect our country and its freedoms.

School officials say they have been touched to see how students have stopped by the display and pay their respects.

"The kids hear about it on TV and read about it on the internet. But to see pictures of young men and women first hand and make the connection that they are from Iowa and lost their lives fighting for us. It's really touching and moving of how well the kids have responded to it," said Van Buren Secondary Schools Principal Chuck Banks.

A Remembering Our Fallen Service was held Tuesday evening at the Van Buren High School Gym.

There was a presentation of colors and a flag line led by the school's color guard.

Guest speakers were veterans and soldiers.

Then, a roll call of fallen Iowa soldiers were read to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to help keep their memories alive.

"It keeps their names in front of us. It helps our students and community remember that this is not an easy task. People have made the supreme sacrifices to protect the freedoms that each of us enjoy," said Event Coordinator Audrey Ekle.

You can go by the Van Buren High School now through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and this weekend from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. to see the display.

On the 9/11 anniversary, we asked some Heartland residents how the events of 11 years ago have changed them and the nation.

"I think the country as a whole has gotten stronger. It was a difficult time, but it has made us stronger," Banks said.

"It was a day that showed what Americans were made of. The terrorists hoped to put us down and instead it made us stronger," Ekle said.

"It has brought people to be aware of how other countries feel about us. We are still fighting," said Veteran Larry Shipley.

"It changed us. It brought us together. They tried to take us down. But it just put us together," said Van Buren High School Student Kolton Horn.

"It just brought everyone together as a whole. Everybody works together now," said Van Buren High School Student Noah Whitter.

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