CLYATTVILLE — The Clyattville Elementary School kindergarten class opened its campus Tuesday to area first responders for the 16th annual 9/11 program. 

It was the first year the school invited first responders to the event, such as Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta Police Department, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, firefighters and veterans.

Tenry Berry, Clyattville Elementary School principal, said the program was expanded to honor individuals in the community and the people who saved lives during 9/11.

“One of the things that our kindergarten teachers do is they teach about heroes and community helpers, so this ties into what they do,” Berry said.

The event began at 9 a.m. with a few of Moody AFB’s own lowering the flag to half-staff followed by the kindergarten classes singing patriotic tunes.

Other grade levels participated by handing out handwritten letters to various groups of first responders.

Berry said it’s vital his students are taught about 9/11, even if they weren’t around to witness it 17 years ago.

“We’re in the job of education and teaching (our students) how to become community members and how to celebrate the country in which they live,” Berry said.

The event ended with students taking tours of first responder vehicles before the school day resumed.

For future 9/11 events, Berry said he hopes to extend the invitation to first responders again.

“We appreciate everyone who came out and we hope this is something we can carry out for many years to come,” Berry said.

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.