The local, national and global impacts of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were the focal points of discussions in social studies classes at Edmund W. Miles Middle School as people across the nation marked the 18th anniversary.

Ninth grade social studies teacher Jack Zider recalled how the attacks occurred during his first week as a freshman in high school. Now, he teaches September 11 as a historical event to students who were born several years after the attacks. He showed students video clips from the day and asked them to discuss their reactions with each other. Additionally, because of Amityville’s proximity to New York City, he talked to students about the impact it had on people in the community. 

In 2001, Frank O’Brien worked for the MTA and was just a half-mile away from the World Trade Center. Now a social studies teacher at the middle school, he shared his personal experiences from the day. 

Mr. O’Brien emphasized the importance of being thankful to and showing respect for the people who fight to preserve freedom. He works with an organization, Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to members of the armed forces overseas. His students wrote thank-you letters to be including in those packages. 

Since the attacks, Sept. 11 has become known as Patriot Day, and students and staff at the middle school were encouraged to wear red, white and blue.