Students Help Create Measure Proclaiming September 11, 2005 as HERO Day

A group of grade school students from Tulsa has helped create legislation to ensure the emergency workers from two of the nation’s worst terrorist attacks will be honored. Senate Concurrent Resolution 14 by Sen. Nancy Riley honors the first responders, or Homeland Emergency Responders (HEROs) from both the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., as well as the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. The measure, which was unanimously approved, would declare September 11, 2005, to be “HERO Day” in the state.

“This is an excellent way to pay tribute to the first responders who risked their lives on those terrible days—many of whom made the supreme sacrifice as a result. But the credit goes to an amazing group of fifth-grade children from Tulsa’s Berryhill Elementary. The students, under the guidance of their teacher, Ms. Jannean Thompson, actually came up with the idea of creating a special day to honor these American heroes,” said Riley, R-Sand Springs.

The students and teacher were presented on the floor of the Senate and heard their legislation read. Joining Sen. Riley in welcoming the students to the Capitol was Rep. Chris Benge, R-Tulsa.

“We’re really proud of these children. They wanted to be involved in their government and they also wanted to honor our heroes. Their hard work has resulted in something very uplifting,” Riley said.