12 September 2003, Succasunna, NJ… While the events of 9/11/01 occurred two years ago, the somberness of its two-year anniversary was evident across the nation.  Throughout New Jersey and the Roxbury Public Schools the day of remembrance was observed in a number of ways.

Throughout the schools, the day of 9/11 was commemorated through a moment of silence. At Kennedy School, as a way to show unity as Americans, every student and staff member lined in the hallway for their moment of silence. Students, staff and administration at the four elementary schools wore red, white and blue clothing, as a sign of patriotism.

Students at Franklin School and Jefferson School joined together as a school community with their principals at their respective locations. During these meetings, Principal Mary Ann Boyd (Franklin) and Principal Edward Hade (Jefferson) highlighted a school service project. The project at Franklin and Jefferson will have the children and their families collecting pennies and other coins to raise funds for Morris County’s September 11, 2003 Memorial Foundation.

At Nixon School, a moment of silence was followed by a few readings. Five third graders read a book written by elementary school children from the Midwest and another group of third graders read a Patriotic poem.

Lincoln / Roosevelt School followed their moment of silence with the playing of "Proud to be an American." For the evening of 9/11, Lincoln / Roosevelt also placed candles in all of the front windows of the school.

At Eisenhower Middle School The Student Council President reading a short essay followed a moment of silence. Then throughout the day, the Social Studies teachers discussed the anti-terrorist acts that are being conducted by the United States of America.

At Roxbury High School, Principal Jeff Swanson conducted the morning announcements by speaking of those victims and heroes lost two years ago. Additionally, the high school lowered their flag to half-mast at 8:46 AM.

As Mr. Swanson stated in his address, "9/11 is a day to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of freedom, democracy, liberty and justice." The events at all seven schools in Roxbury did just this.