Nearly 3,000 flags. Nearly 3,000 lives. Each flag represents a person whose life was cut short and a family whose world was forever changed.

For our Joliet Central High School JROTC cadets, Sept. 11, 2001, is history that happened long before they were born. That makes traditions like this even more important. We have a responsibility to teach the next generation about the events that shaped our nation, not only so they understand the past, but so they remember the courage, sacrifice, unity and service that followed.

This week, we honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 by placing 2,977 flags in front of the school. We remember the first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away. We honor the men and women of our Armed Forces who answered our nation's call in the years that followed, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to carry the impact of their service today.

"As our cadets place each flag, they are doing more than creating a memorial," said retired Army Lt. Col. Jodi Krippel, JROTC Instructor at Joliet Central. "They are helping ensure that the stories, sacrifices and lessons of Sept. 11 are passed on to another generation."