How do you present an event as tragic and history-changing as September 11, 2001 to students who weren't even born when it happened?

Educators at Honey Creek Elementary try and mark the day each year with an assembly or event.

"We try to do something every year to remember and honor our military and first responders," said Counselor Tanya Hunt.

Hunt's nephew served with the 10th Mountain Infantry Division based in New York. He was attending West Point during September 11, 2001 and did two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

PE Teacher Jane Van Heest, a driving organizer of the events, read aloud a letter written by Laura Bush to elementary school students after the events of 9/11.

"It's simple, it wasn't gory," said Van Heest.

Hunt added, "It talks about the fact those people who attacked were really bullies and they wanted to make our country disorganized and defeated and it did the opposite. We worked as a community together to help one another."

This year the post commander of the VFW Post 2938, Michael French, came to show students the proper way to retire the American flag with an official flag burning ceremony. French's grandson attends HCE.

Students were also asked to draw pictures of people they are thankful for, and relatives were invited to attend as well. Each grade paraded around the track with flags and their pictures.