UCMS Day of Remembrance
By CHRISTIAN LEHMAN Sentinel Writer

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam The UCMS band plays America the Beautiful.

Union County Middle School filled the bleachers at the football stadium on Monday afternoon in a joint celebration and ceremony of both Patriot Day and Constitution Day. The festivities included speeches, music, an honor guard and a little bit of pomp and circumstance.

Patriot Day marks the remembrance of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and Constitution Day marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution by the nation's founding fathers is celebrated on September 17.

The honoring of Patriot Day began with the presentation of the nation's colors by the Union County Honor Guard followed by the National Anthem. The UCHS marching band then played "America the Beautiful" as the students remained standing the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Students then read aloud the opening portion of the Declaration of Independence and the preamble to the Constitution with a moving speech by a member of the staff as to why these days need never fade from our collective memory. The middle school chorus then sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" while a student, complete with a stovepipe hat read the Gettysburg Address to those in attendance. September 11, 2001 is the event that will

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam A student holds up a pair of United States Flags during Union County Middle School's Day of Remembrance.

define at least one generation. "We honor all Americans who died on 9/11 and all men and women who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan." A lone trumpet concluded the ceremony solemnly playing Taps.