Last Friday, the community gathered for the annual Ceremony of Hope and Remembrance, marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Organized by the volunteer group Overseas Americans Remember (OAR), the ceremony brought together many within the greater community, including ASH families and staff, the local fire department, Wassenaar Mayor Leendert de Lange, US Ambassador Joe Popolo, and others to reflect on the events of 9/11 and remember the lives that were lost.

 

Through readings, speeches, and music, the ceremony offered an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy and recognize the many people who stepped forward to help. Firefighters, emergency workers and civilians showed tremendous courage in helping others during an unimaginable moment. Remembering those who answered the call, alongside those who lost their lives, is an important part of keeping the memory of 9/11 alive. Ceremonies like this give communities a chance to pause, reflect, and learn from the past, while reminding us of the importance of supporting one another in difficult times.

 

By coming together each year, the ASH community honors those we lost and carries forward a message of hope, courage, and remembrance. A special thank you goes to Roberta Enschedé, former ASH teacher and distinguished member of OAR and the Dutch-American community, who has played a central role in organizing 9/11 remembrance initiatives for 25 years and has helped create connections across the community and generations of students.