Hutchinson, Kan. — September 11, 2026 — Today, students and staff at HMS-8 paused to honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, marking the 25th anniversary of that tragic day with a solemn and educational tribute.
In the early hours of the morning, staff members and student volunteers arrived at school to place nearly 3,000 American flags across the front lawns of HMS-8. The flags stretched across the entire face of the school along Adams Street, creating a powerful visual memorial honoring each life lost on September 11. The memorial was made possible in part through the generosity of Dillon Credit Union, whose financial support helped fund the purchase of the flags.
In the days leading up to and throughout the anniversary, students engaged in dedicated lessons on the history of September 11 through their social studies classes, learning about the events of that day, their lasting impact on the nation, and the sacrifices made by those who responded in the aftermath. Students were also given the opportunity to walk through the field of flags, allowing them to experience firsthand the enormity of the number of lives lost 25 years ago and to connect their classroom learning to a tangible, visual representation of history.
"We wanted to create a more immersive experience for the students to help them better conceptualize the number of lives lost during 9/11, while also deepening their understanding of this pivotal moment in our nation's history," said Rose Lloyd, teacher and event coordinator.
The memorial was designed not only as an educational experience for students, but also as a visible reminder to everyone passing by HMS-8 to pause and remember the tragedy, sacrifice, and courage witnessed in the aftermath of September 11.
"It's a somber and humbling reminder of the tragedy that day, but it is also uplifting to see so many students and staff, all on their own, volunteering to put this together," said Principal Mike Self. "That is a great way to honor all who responded and served in the wake of 9/11. I am so proud and thankful for our kids and our staff for doing this, and grateful to Dillon Credit Union for their support in making this memorial possible."
The nearly 3,000 flags serve as a testament to the lives lost and the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001, while also honoring the first responders, military personnel, volunteers, and countless others who answered the call to serve in the days and years that followed.
For the HMS-8 community, this memorial and the accompanying classroom instruction represent both a lesson in history and an opportunity to ensure that future generations understand the significance of September 11 — not simply as a date in history, but as a reminder of the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the resilience demonstrated in its aftermath.
As people traveled along Adams Street throughout the day, the field of flags stood as a visible invitation to pause, reflect, and remember. The flags were on display during school hours on September 11th only.
About HMS-8 HMS-8 is committed to providing students with meaningful educational experiences that connect classroom learning with history, community, and civic responsibility.