On Wednesday, September 11, 2019, Midlothian High School hosted a memorial ceremony, planned by the Young Patriots Club, to honor those who perished on 9/11/01. Midlothian High School Principal Dr. Shawn Abel shared a few remarks before turning the program over to Midlo U.S. Government teacher Mr. Timothy Johnson, who detailed the significant impact of the events of September 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 people, including civilians, police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical personnel, and Port Authority officers, tragically lost their lives.

Sophomore Connor Long, President of the Young Patriots Club, took part in this ceremony by raising the United States flag, along with the State flag of Virginia, to half-staff in honor of the victims of 9-11.  Freedom Flag Foundation President Mr. John Riley then raised the Freedom Flag, designed by Virginia native, Mr. Richard Melito, for the first time at Midlothian High School, as those in attendance observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the lives lost that day. For more information about the Freedom Flag, visit the Freedom Flag Foundation. 

Closing the ceremony, Riley shared an emotional speech about his longtime friend, Douglas D. Ketcham, a Class of 1992 Midlo alum, who lost his life in the 9/11 attacks while working on the 103 floor in Tower One. Riley, also a Midlo alum, brought with him a segment of the beam of the 93rd floor that held up the first tower after it was hit at 8:45 am until 9:59 am, when it collapsed. He then presented Dr. Abel with a banner that includes the names of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Abel thanked everyone for attending and asked that they keep the events of 9/11 in their thoughts for the day. The entire school later observed a moment of silence in remembrance.