GREENVILLE – The students and staff of Greenville Middle School remembered and honored not only those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 but also all of those who lost loved ones and those organizations that responded to the tragic events of the day.
“I remember right where I was in the classroom at the old Middle School building and the conversations that happened during the day and into the evening,” said Chris Mortensen, Greenville 5-8 Principal. “Something that traumatic stays with you forever.”
Captain Keith Denman served as the guest speaker for the event honoring the 23rd anniversary of Patriots Day.
Captain Denman retired after 30 years of service in the United States Navy. He then took a position at Greenville High School as their Navy JROTC instructor, where he served 11 years. Denman remains active in the American Legion Post 140, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7262, and the Greenville Honor Guard.
On 911, Denman was on active duty in Norfolk, VA, with Command Naval Air Forces Atlantic, where the aircraft carriers on the East Coast were stationed. Denman was responsible for their readiness and making certain the carriers were ready to go.
“The students are very respectful of the situation, and even though they weren’t born when it happened, they stood here respectfully and listened to my past history of what happened. No 9/11 for me,” said Denman. I appreciate that. I always tell of my two friends that died in the Pentagon that day.”
Greenville Middle School recognized the dedicated veterans and service organizations, along with their employees, who selflessly risk their lives to ensure our daily freedoms and safety.
“When students hear this, they can get a little picture of it, but until you live through something like that, you have a tough time understanding,” Mortenson concluded.
