From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE –A story published in The Trussville Tribune about four local residents and their actions on the day terrorism struck the United States on 9/11 led two readers to share their memories in the comment section on Facebook.
David Humphries was a Hewitt Elementary student on September 11, 2001. According to his Facebook page, Humphries is now a 0351 Assaultman at Marine Corps Recruiting in Jacksonville, North Carolina where he lives with his wife, Anna.
Humphries offered his memories as a student on 9/11.
“Still remember being in grade school at Hewitt,” Humpries wrote. “My teacher was pulled out of class by the principal, and had obviously shed a few tears before coming back in. One of the girls in my class asked her if she was okay, and she said ‘Yeah, sweetie. It’s just allergies,’ and kept teaching.
“It wasn’t until I went home that I found out what had happened”
Several hours later, Humphries’ comment was spotted by his former elementary school principal Betsy Schmitt who responded with her recollection of the day’s events.
“David, I was the principal at Hewitt Elementary on that very horrific day in September,” Schmitt responded. “You are correct, the administrative team went to every classroom to inform teachers about what was occurring and to ask them to shield you all from the news in order to allow your families to tell you and to help answer your questions.
“That afternoon when school was out, we talked with teachers about how our students might react to the tragedies and how we should respond to any questions. We left work prepared to welcome you all back the following day, ready to listen to your fears and concerns and comfort you if needed.
“The next morning was bright and sunny as I stood on the office sidewalk with our 4th grade safety patrol greeting students as they arrived for school. Precious Brooke Oliver was on car patrol duty, and she looked up at me and asked me if I knew about some planes crashing into some buildings the day before. I told her I did and how sad it made me feel, but how proud I was of the way our President and our country was responding.
“After the tardy bell rang, we had our morning announcements, briefly talking about the families who had lost loved ones in the attack. Then we proudly recited the Pledge of Allegiance. I will never forget. God Bless America!”
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Amanda Baker Flynn
Brooke Oliver