MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — A quarter-century after the Sept. 11 attacks reshaped the world, seventh graders at Saint James Middle School heard a firsthand account of that day from former New York City Police Officer Felix Cruz. Cruz, who responded during the attacks, spoke to students about his experience at Ground Zero and honored coworkers he described as heroes who “never made it home.” He also shared photos from that day so students could see the events through his eyes.
Cruz returns each year to speak with students, emphasizing the importance of remembering what happened and encouraging families to talk about Sept. 11 together.
“It’s very important that I get the message out because my coworkers never made it home, and I’ll make sure that memories are never forgotten and coming into the school environment and teaching the kids who were born what happened that day and how they look into my eyes when they watch the PowerPoint they get really emotional there’s something that they connect with me,” Cruz said.
He told students it is “something they don’t get to see and talk about in history books,” and said, “Something they learn firsthand account of what happened that day, and I also encourage the parents also the watch the programs with them and talk about them about 911 because that instance can never happen again.”…