At the Milton High School 9/11 memorial ceremony, survivor Marc Caruso delivered a vivid keynote speech recounting his harrowing experience on that fateful day and stressed the importance of keeping the memory of the attacks alive for future generations. "It can never die," Caruso said. "This memory has to live on," as reported by the City of Milton. The ceremony opened with patriotic music from Milton High's orchestra, introductions by Principal Brian Jones—who conveyed his appreciation for all involved in the event—and an emotionally resonant National Anthem sung by the Eagles' chorus, setting a tone of somber remembrance.
Senior Justin Mikels pointed out the historical significance of 9/11 to his peers, emphasizing that while it is a part of history they are learning rather than an experience they lived, it is crucial to never forget, and his sentiment was echoed by Mayor Peyton Jamison, who praised the involvement of students, who had not been born at the time of the attacks, in remembering each victim with 2,997 flags placed on the school's lawn. He said each flag represents a lost life each with their "hopes and dreams" and that "every one of those lost lives is worth remembering," according to the City of Milton's report. Deputy Fire Chief Richard Bushman reflected on the changed world post-9/11 and commended first responders for their bravery on that sunny September morning.
In a poignant exchange, Caruso shared a story about his friend Randy Scott, who was working on the 84th floor of the South Tower and whose brief note tossed from the building eventually led to the understanding of his tragic fate, "84th floor west office 12 people trapped" were the words that came to define Scott's last known moments for his family, Caruso now serves as a docent at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, ensuring that such personal stories continue to be told, as noted by the City of Milton. The ceremony's conclusion was marked by student presentations of personal stories of 9/11 victims with Caruso's connections, and a musical tribute by Milton High's orchestra, followed by a lone trumpet performance by Nathaniel Smith.
The ceremony at Milton High is a strong reminder of the lasting impact of 9/11, not just as a historical event but as one that continues to affect people personally and nationally. Through the efforts of schools, communities, and individuals like Caruso, the nearly 3,000 lives lost are remembered as more than just numbers—they remain part of our shared American story. Caruso's visit and the stories shared during the ceremony ended with solemn reflection, leaving attendees with a sense of contribution to our ongoing history.
