25 Years of Remembrance: CBA Makerspace Honors September 11
Mrs. Viar’s Makerspace class continued a meaningful tradition at Chesapeake Bay Academy as students gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day of remembrance, reflection, unity, and service.
The ceremony began with the National Anthem and a ceremonial folding of the American flag, a tradition Mrs. Viar taught her students as part of their preparation for this special day. Students then offered flowers and lights at memorials they created together as a class, providing a personal and heartfelt way to honor the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the families forever affected by September 11.
A highlight of the commemoration was our guest speaker, IT1 Woodie of the United States Navy, whose message beautifully connected the lessons of September 11 to the heart of the Chesapeake Bay Academy community.
IT1 Woodie reminded students that after 9/11, America’s strength came from people with different backgrounds, talents, cultures, and abilities working together toward a common purpose. Firefighters, medical professionals, technical experts, service members, volunteers, and countless others each brought something different, and each contribution mattered.
He connected that spirit directly to CBA, reminding students that our school is stronger because of the unique abilities, interests, backgrounds, and perspectives each person brings. Our differences do not separate us; when brought together, they become our strength.
IT1 Woodie also encouraged students to face their fears, reminding them that overcoming fear is part of discovering the confidence to be yourself and embrace who you are. His words carried a particularly meaningful message for our students: everyone has something valuable to contribute, and courage can begin simply by believing in yourself.
As we mark 25 years since September 11, Mrs. Viar’s Makerspace students demonstrated that “Never Forget” is more than a phrase. It is a commitment to remember, serve, respect one another, and recognize the strength we find when a diverse community comes together.
IT1 Woodie closed with a powerful Navy expression that captured the spirit of the day:
“We Have the Watch.”
Our CBA students showed that the responsibility to remember and carry forward the lessons of courage, service, and unity belongs to the next generation as well.
