Heroes' Night September 11, 2007

Courage. Selflessness. Strength. The men and women who risk their lives to keep our country safe will be honored in many ways on September 11. The 2001 tragedy brought together a nation. For the second year, the students of La Paloma Academy’s Lakeside Campus will honor Tucson’s heroes on this day. The school invites the community to participate in “Heroes’ Night,” from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, September 11.

“Heroes’ Night” commences with the presentation of colors by Davis Monthan honor guards. A special presentation from Major Sven Olson, a video presentation, dedication of gifts to local heroes and reading of student essays all follow.

As the event salutes our local heroes, representatives from the Red Cross, Tucson Fire Department, Tucson Police Department, military and local hospitals will all be in attendance. Each representative will be honored with a special gift from La Paloma students.

Major Sven Olson will speak to attendees on his experiences in the military. Olson is a member of the AZ Army National Guard and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his tour in Iraq, he was a base coordinator for Operation Iraqi Children and helped build schools and clinics in the villages throughout central Iraq. He has served our country during many devastating natural disasters and has recently served the United Nations and NATO as an American advisor for a peacekeeping operations exercise.

In his spare time, Olson is a leadership and mentoring consultant for schools around the nation. He is currently assigned to the 852 Rear Area Operations Center (RAOC) in Tucson, a headquarters element of the XVIII Airborne Corps.

Also on the evening’s agenda is a video presentation entitled “Proud to be an American” from Master Sergeant Vaughn Price of Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

In preparation for this event, La Paloma Academy students of all grade levels were given the assignment to write an essay about their hero/heroes. Students had the option to write about one of three topics: who their hero is, what 9/11 meant to them or what patriotism means to them. One student from each grade will be selected to read his or her personal essay during “Heroes’ Night.”

In addition, representatives will give students a chance to get acquainted with the tools of their trade. The Red Cross will conduct blood pressure readings, the Tucson Fire Department will give students tours of the fire trucks and the Tucson Police Department will exhibit squad cars.

Join La Paloma Academy in saluting the men and women who protect our city and nation every day.

Official Website: http://www.lpatucson.org