News Post

Harriton, Lower Merion Commemorate 20th Anniversary of September 11th
Harriton, Lower Merion Commemorate 20th Anniversary of September 11th
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Prior to the LM-Harriton football game, the LMSD community held a special ceremony to solemnly commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11 and to honor the sacrifices of first responders.

Prior to kickoff at the Sept. 11, 2021, Lower Merion-Harriton football game, the Lower Merion School District community held a special ceremony to solemnly commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11 and to remember all those who lost their lives on that fateful day.

The Aces and Rams used the occasion to welcome and celebrate the efforts and sacrifices made by local first responders – the veterans, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians - who risk their lives everyday in the service of others.

The first responders in attendance marched on to the field and were joined by the Lower Merion and Harriton coaching staffs and players before Harriton parent the Rev. David Smith provided poignant remarks thanking all the brave men and women who put the welfare of others ahead of their own on a daily basis.

Rev. Smith explained how this has been a particularly difficult year for local first responders as both the Penn Wynne and Belmont Hills fire departments went through the unthinkable in recent months as firefighters Sean DeMuynck and Thomas Royds tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Members of both the DeMuynck and Royds families were in attendance at the game. Current LMHS student Sam Shaffer and alumni Alex Fischer, both volunteer members of the Belmont Hills Fire Department, were also injured in the accident that took the life of Royds. Shaffer and Fischer were among the first responders being honored during the ceremony. The program closed with a moment of silence and a non-denominational prayer led by Rev. Smith.

As difficult as it may have been, the Lower Merion and Harriton players then had a game to play. Ultimately the day belonged to the Aces as the home team captured an important Central Athletic League victory by a 47-6 tally.