STEWARD — Steward Elementary School students gathered on the school’s front lawn Friday for a commemoration of the anniversary of Sept. 11 and Patriot Day. 

Those from the school were joined by first responders from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Steward Fire Department. The commemoration included students saying the pledge of allegiance together, a moment of silence and the singing of “God Bless America.”

Steward Superintendent Steven Simpson spoke to students about Sept. 11. The school has a Sept. 11 monument on its grounds honoring those lost to the terrorist attacks in 2001. It was made by an Eagle Scout student in years past. 

“When we're out here for recess and things like that we're not over by this rock,” Simpson said. “But it's important we look at it today."

After the program, kids greeted and thanked first responders and got to meet Lee County’s K-9, Nemo. 

Simpson challenged his students to think about Patriot Day on more than just the days that surround Sept. 11. 

“We can be patriots every day,” Simpson said. “Many of you are every day and you don't even realize it. Patriot Day is not just about all of us who are adults. Patriot Day is about what we are hoping for the future of our country. And if you have goodness in your hearts and love and caring for your fellow Americans, then America can continue to serve as a good example for the rest of the world.