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Heron Heights Teacher Leads 20-Year Tradition of Patriot Day Tributes

Broward Sheriff’s Office Parkland District’s Officer Taub and Detective Quigley. {courtesy}

Patriot Day is deeply significant for Shannon Hamilton, a 4th-grade teacher at Heron Heights Elementary School.

For the past 20 years, Hamilton has led her students in honoring the local firefighters, police officers, and school resource officers by writing and delivering heartfelt cards of appreciation.

Hamilton shares with Parkland Talk that the initiative, inspired by the tragic terrorism events of September 11, 2001, began as a simple gesture of gratitude and has since evolved into an annual tradition that profoundly resonates with both her students and the community.

“I was teaching during that tragic 9/11 event 23 years ago, and I felt helpless and heartbroken for all the people that lost their lives,” Hamilton said.

She adds that she immediately considered how her students would experience the news on the day of the attack and how she could help them understand what it all meant.

“I knew my innocent students would be exposed to something their young minds wouldn’t comprehend, so I wanted to find a way to honor our local firefighters and police officers to let them know how grateful we were for the sacrifices they make daily and to create an uplifting activity for the kids.”

The tradition began with a banner of appreciative words and now includes Hamilton’s Heron Heights students writing personalized cards to first responders each year. “It always brings a smile to their faces to know that we care so much,” Hamilton said, reflecting on the joy the cards bring the local heroes.

Each year, Hamilton introduces her students to the significance of Patriot Day through carefully selected books, such as The Man in the Red Bandana, Fireboat, and 14 Cows for America.

She says these books not only teach students about the events of 9/11 but also highlight the bravery and kindness of those who risked their lives to save others.

“The students don’t understand why people would intentionally kill innocent people, but they are also in awe of those that risked and sacrificed their lives to save others.”

Hamilton notes that the book The Man in the Red Bandana particularly resonates with her students.

“Welles Crowther, a volunteer firefighter who worked in one of the towers, lost his own life while saving others. That selflessness strikes a chord with them.”

Another favorite is 14 Cows for America, which tells the story of the Maasai tribe’s symbolic gift of 14 cows to the United States after the attacks. “The students think it’s amazing that another country did that for America,” Hamilton tells Parkland Talk.

Shannon Hamilton, a 4th-grade teacher at Heron Heights Elementary School shres some of the cards her students made for first reponders at the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department and the Broward Sheriff’s Offfice. {courtesy}

Hamilton’s connection to the fire service adds even more depth to her approach. Her husband, a retired Fire Captain for the Coral Gables Fire Department, traveled to New York after 9/11 to help man a station whose shift perished.

“Being a fire wife, I can’t imagine the agony the families went through during the first 24 hours of the unknown,” she said. “It fills me with pride and peace knowing that I can share with my students how my husband stepped up to help fellow firefighters in NY during their time of need and to show the importance of being there for each other.”

Over the years, Hamilton has seen firsthand how much the local firefighters, police officers, and SROs appreciate the gesture. “Every year, they are so appreciative, and they enjoy reading all the cards – It’s a tradition that I look forward to every year.”

As for advice to other teachers looking to introduce meaningful Patriot Day activities, Hamilton suggests approaching the topic gently yet thoughtfully. “It is a sensitive topic, but with a soft approach, I think it’s important for them to know the events that occurred that day.”

“Reading books created with elementary students in mind helps them see the different perspectives of everyone involved. It also teaches the students that there are still good people in this world.”

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.