The young honor, although they don't remember
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Jaymee Sigafose, 11, honors the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks during a candlelight vigil on the Town Common. PHOTO/MELISSA MUNTZ

Shrewsbury - Dozens of students lit candles, made speeches and quietly honored the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who were killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks during a candlelight vigil on the Town Common last week.

The event was organized by students in Oak Middle School's group "Leaders of Tomorrow."

Students talked of the people who were lost, the families left behind and the need to remember the past to make sure it is not repeated. But thing is, they don't remember. Not really.

Nicole Fryc, one of the seventh-grade organizers of the vigil, held Sept. 11, was only 6 years old the day the Twin Towers came down. She said she remembers very little about the events that unfolded that day, but has relived the day over and over again through video, pictures and witness accounts.

"All I really remember [is] that my mom came home and was really upset," Nicole said.

But just because she doesn't remember doesn't mean she can't understand the impact of the events and the need to pay tribute to the people who were killed.

"We need to let people know that these people who died are still important," she said. "It helps others in their loss and helps them know that other people care and know how they feel."

Sandy Fryc, Nicole's mother, has a much clearer memory of that day.

"I was just in absolute disbelief, because it's something that you never imagine could possibly happen here," Sandy said.

Although her memory of the attack is much stronger than her daughter's, Sandy said their need to feel like they are a part of something is exactly the same.

"She's learned a lot about Sept. 11 through school and ceremonies over the past six years, and now she's able to be involved in a different way," she said. "These are events that none of us will ever forget, and this allows them to be a part of the common experience."

Making them a part of the experience despite their lack of first-hand recollection is the first step in making sure that the memories of that day do not fade over time, Korean War veteran Ken Swift said.

"We tend to collectively forget things, so it's important to pass on the memories and emotions to young people to make sure the lessons of that day keep going after we're gone," he said.

Swift said getting young people involved in ceremonies to honor the fallen is the best defense against a similar attack in the future.

"If you aren't involved and you aren't in touch, then you can't see how you can help fix situations that lead to things like this, can't help mend and change the world," he said. "You forget about this and you pay the price again."