On Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, the IS/MS school gathered to honor and remember the lives lost and the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001. Patriot Day is a solemn reminder of a day that changed our nation forever—a day of tragedy, but also a day of heroism, resilience, and unity.
Patriot Day is a national day of remembrance in the United States observed on September 11th each year. It commemorates the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, when hijacked planes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The students, staff, administration, and community members took time out of their afternoon to honor the victims of the attacks, recognize the bravery of the first responders and ordinary citizens who acted heroically, and reflect on the resilience and unity shown by the nation in the face of tragedy. It is also a day to remember and honor those who have continued to serve and protect the nation in the years since, including members of the armed forces, law enforcement, and emergency services.
Our Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Amy Rohrbach, gave a moving speech that recognized the heroes who rise above fear and uncertainty each day—firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and ordinary citizens who display extraordinary bravery. They run toward danger when others flee. They face fear head on and work together to keep our community safe and supported.
This year we honored a long-standing community member with our Brandywine Heights 2024 Commitment to Community Award. Mr. Scott Adam joined the Topton Volunteer Fire Company in May of 1975. Over the past 49 years he has taken on many roles within the organization. Mr. Adam started as a firefighter and progressed through the ranks where he served many years as the 2nd assistant chief and is currently in the role of Captain.
Over the years Mr. Adam attended many training courses and is certified as Firefighter II, Basic Vehicle Rescue Technician, and Hazardous Materials Operations Level. He continues to attend weekly training sessions today and often finds himself helping to train new members on fire pumps and driving.
Throughout the years, Scott Adam was joined by his family in the fire service. His son Josh Adam, his grandson Colton Adam, and his son in-law Curtis Swoyer are all active members of the company and run emergency calls together. His wife Shelly Adam, daughter Jana Swoyer, daughter in-law Melissa Adam, and granddaughter Cailey Adam are all support members and help at fire company fundraisers and non-emergency events.
Scott’s commitment to serving the community all while juggling his family life and full-time job is what made him a true community hero and the perfect nominee for the 2024 Commitment to Community Award.
On behalf of everyone involved in organizing this year's Patriot Day ceremony, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for being here today. Your presence honors the memory of those we lost and shows the strength and unity of our community heroes who continue to keep us safe and protected each day.