Hallowell Students Thank Local Heroes with Project Blue Light Assistance

For many, the terrors and heroes of Sept. 11, 2001 are too vivid a memory. However, for Hallowell’s fourth grade, the understanding comes in text books and discussions. But the one thing that always sticks out is the heroes of the day.

The students of both fourth grade classes were so moved by the heroism, they decided to show their appreciation for our local heroes by assisting the Horsham Police Department with the Dec. 10 Project Blue Light, which is an annual holiday tradition. It will start at 6:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the township complex.

“Last year we read about 9-11 in class and we were talking about the heroes of that day,” teacher Judy Johnson said. “We then talked about our local heroes, the police and fire departments and EMS providers, and the students wanted a way to show their appreciation.”

The police department asked students last year to help spread the word about Project Blue Light, which is a remembrance and tree lighting ceremony held each year outside the township building. The tree is decorated with 1,000 blue lights, representing all the emergency service providers in Montgomery County. There are also 26 white lights, which represent those who have died in the line of duty.

Students in both Johnson’s and Leesa Mercaldo’s classes this year had a similar response to the stories and discussions of 9-11 and wanted to carry on the Project Blue Light service project. The students help spread the word through the school and community, inviting everyone to attend the ceremony.

“People drive by the tree outside Horsham Police Department that is lit with blue lights every year without knowing what it means,” Principal Steve Glaize said. “This is an important project to bring awareness to the sacrifices these men and women make in the line of duty.”

Hallowell’s halls are lined with posters the students made to invite families to the ceremony, while the school’s announcement board outside asks community members to attend. Students have also displayed blue lights in the school windows along Maple Avenue and placed a blue light on the front lawn to shine on the school at night.

On the day of the ceremony, students will make desserts for attendees to enjoy at a reception after the tree lighting ceremony. They also made thank you cards for the emergency service providers to display on the table.

“When they read about 9-11, and the devastation, what came through were the heroes,” Johnson said. “The students are very excited to be participating and spreading the word. It’s given them an opportunity to take on leadership roles.”

Across the nation, local police and fire companies hold Project Blue Light each December to remember the fallen heroes from years past. It is a tradition that was started in Philadelphia.