Pre-K, Kindergartners honor first responders on 9/11

HERNANDO, Miss. –These students are too young to remember the horrific events of September 11 and many of them might not even understand the significance of the day completely, but that didn’t stop them and their teachers from recognizing the day in their own special way.  Each preschool class at Hernando United Methodist Preschool and Kindergarten visited local rescue agencies on Friday to say thank you to all of the men and women who keep our communities safe. WREG was told the school that each class was assigned to a local fire station, police department or rescue wing earlier this week. Since then, each have been working extremely hard on their projects, and turned the entire thing into one big learning experience. “They were so excited and talked about the important ways that the rescuers help us,” said Lacey Hilliard with the school.  “They talked a lot about keeping us safe, saving lives, putting out fires, arresting bad guys, and of course saving kitty cats and dogs. It was truly heart warming and rewarding.” But the most touching part of the entire thing came when the children, dressed from head to toe in red, white and blue, drove to their local agencies to deliver their creations. “It was touching to see the reaction of the people on the receiving end too,” said Hilliard.  “There is so much negativity about the people protecting us. They felt so moved to be remembered in a positive way. I think that is what this day should be about honoring the fallen by appreciating those serving in their footsteps. I think that is what would make them proud.” WREG was told the children not only loved showing off their projects, but they also loved seeing the firemen and policemen in their uniforms, and where they “lived”. Hilliard said it was like they had just met a celebrity. Gifts were also taken to the Hernando Police Department and the Air Evac Base in Batesville.