The simple mentioning of 9/11 conjures up intense memories and feelings. Today John Bush’s voice rang through the halls and classrooms of Robinson High School, asking students to bow their heads for a moment of silence. In that silence, students remembered those who lost their lives and family members of the victims from that tragic September morning. Assistant Principal for Student Affairs Brian Hoover read a proclamation from President Obama explaining the meaning and importance of Patriots Day. Our school resource officer,  was very thankful for the instituion of Patriots Day. “I’ve been doing this for 25 years and occasionally before I would get a ‘thank you’. But since 9/11, the respect factor really increased for what we do,” he said. “It really did open eyes.”

Students in Sgt. Major Michael Bargy’s classroom and all member of NJROTC were reminded of Robinson High School graduate Andrew J. Aviles. Aviles graduated in 2002 and had a full scholarship to Florida State University. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves before his senior year. Before the September 11 attacks. Lance Corporal Aviles was killed in Iraq two weeks shy of his nineteenth birthday.

To read more about Lance Corporal Andrew J. Aviles click here.

To read the Associated Press story about Lance Corporal Andrew J. Aviles click here.

To leave a message for the Aviles family click here.