Approximately 1,400 students from the Hampton Bays Elementary and Middle Schools gathered together on Friday, September 9, to honor American heroes during a Patriot Day commemorative ceremony.

Students from the fourth-grade class opened the event, which was held on the south practice field next to the middle school on Friday morning, by singing a patriotic song. District Superintendent Lars Clemensen then addressed and thanked those gathered, which included New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. as well as members of the Hampton Bays Fire Department, Southampton Town Police Department, Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance Corp., and American Legion Hand-Aldrich Post 924.

“Today we commemorate one of the most tragic and memorable events in America,” Mr. Clemensen began. “Today we remember what they sacrificed.”

The program also contained poems and essays written by Hampton Bays fourth and fifth graders, a short prayer by the Hampton Bays Fire Department Chaplain, a wreath presentation to honor those fallen and those who served, and a bagpipe and drum rendition of “Amazing Grace,” performed by the Hampton Bays Honor Guard. The ceremony closed with a passionate performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by eighth grader Lily Spellman.