Beaufort, SC, September 13, 2025
News Summary
High school students at Beaufort Academy paid tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks by placing around 3,000 American flags on the front lawn. This act, which also included contributions from lower school students, honors those who lost their lives that day. The initiative, started by history teacher David Byrne in 2004, aims to educate students about the historical significance of 9/11 and its implications on current global issues. Future commemorative activities are planned as the 25th anniversary of the attacks approaches.
Beaufort, SC – High school students at Beaufort Academy displayed their commitment to remembering the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks by placing approximately 3,000 small American flags on the school’s front lawn. This significant act honors not only the nearly 3,000 civilians who lost their lives but also the firefighters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel who perished during the attacks.
The tribute extended beyond the high school, as lower school students contributed by lining a fence with an additional 200 flags, enhancing visibility for motorists passing by. This display of patriotism and respect has become a longstanding tradition at Beaufort Academy, symbolizing the school community’s collective acknowledgment of the tragic events of 9/11.
The initiative, which was originally started by David Byrne, a history teacher at the academy, has been in place since 2004, with most of the flags being donated by a school parent. Byrne’s lessons around this anniversary aim to explore the broader implications of the 9/11 attacks, addressing how they have shaped American history and current events. In particular, he encourages students to draw parallels between the historical events of September 11 and ongoing global conflicts, such as the situation between Gaza and Israel.
Senior student Colton Stinger, involved in the flag display since his freshman year, highlighted the significance of recognizing the lives lost on that fateful day. He stressed the importance of expressing gratitude for those 3,000 civilian lives and approximately 400 service members who were affected by the tragedy. The students’ involvement not only serves as a tribute but also as an educational opportunity, fostering a sense of legacy and remembrance among younger generations.
Looking ahead, David Byrne expressed plans to engage students in additional commemorative activities as the 25th anniversary of the attacks approaches next year. These future events will likely further deepen the students’ understanding of the impacts of 9/11, reinforcing themes of unity and resilience that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks.
This flag display and associated activities remind the Beaufort Academy community of the importance of remembrance and reflection on the events of September 11, a day that forever changed the United States and the world.
FAQ
What is the significance of the flags placed at Beaufort Academy?
The flags represent the nearly 3,000 civilians and over 400 first responders and military personnel who lost their lives during the September 11 attacks, serving as a tribute and reminder of the tragic event.
What role does David Byrne play in this tradition?
David Byrne is a history teacher at Beaufort Academy who initiated the flag display tradition in 2004. He uses the occasion to educate students about the impacts of 9/11 and current global conflicts related to those events.
How many flags were placed this year, and what do they represent?
This year, approximately 3,000 flags were placed on the front lawn of Beaufort Academy, representing the victims of the September 11 attacks, including civilians, firefighters, law enforcement, and military personnel.
What other activities are planned for the future regarding this tradition?
In preparation for the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks next year, David Byrne plans to involve students in special commemorative activities to further honor and remember the lives lost during the tragedy.
Key Features of Beaufort Academy’s Tribute to 9/11 Victims
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Flags | Approx. 3,000 flags for high school and 200 flags from lower school students |
| Year Tradition Started | 2004 |
| Initiator of Tradition | David Byrne, history teacher |
| Purpose | To honor victims of the September 11 attacks and facilitate discussion about their historical implications |
| Future Plans | Commemorative activities for the 25th anniversary of the attacks |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Beaufort Academy Commemorates 9/11 Victims with Flags
Beaufort Academy Commemorates September 11th Attacks
Additional Resources
- WSAV: Beaufort Academy Honors 9/11 with 3,000 Flag Tribute
- WTOC: Beaufort Academy High Schoolers Remember 9/11
- WITN: Memorial Walk in Washington Honors 9/11 Victims
- WCTI: Eastern NC Communities Unite for 9/11 Memorial Events
- Wikipedia: September 11 Attacks
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
