DAPHNE, Ala. — Hundreds gathered outside Daphne Elementary School Thursday to honor service people stationed in Iraq. Students last Christmas sent candy and cards to soldiers at Camp Striker and, in return, they received a flag that had flown over the camp.

On a day of remembrance for when thousands of Americans lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, students, teachers, parents and others celebrated their freedom — beneath the very flag that once graced Camp Striker, which housed men and women who fought for that liberty.

“We will never forget those citizens … who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Sen. Tripp Pittman said.

“I want to thank the teachers who teach these kids and help foster the future of our country,” he said. “This is a great day. God bless Daphne Elementary and the state of Alabama.”

During the ceremony Viki McGinty’s, Judy Hawes’, Debbie Smith’s and Voncile Smith’s kindergarten classes sang “The Grand Old Flag.” Each student — many of whom dressed in red, white and blue — clutched a miniature American flag, waving it proudly throughout the patriotic piece.

Amy Csakvary’s and Ginny Clayton’s first-graders gave a rendition of “This Land is Your Land.”

“We are very lucky to live in the United States,” McGinty said. “We are free to voice our opinions.

“The flag that we fly is a symbol of that freedom. They’re fighting to keep America safe.”

Before the flag was lowered, state Rep. Randy Davis played “Taps,” a musical piece often played in the U.S. military during flag ceremonies and funerals. Davis — a former bugler in the Army’s honor guard — said he performs at 30 to 40 services a year.

Zach Evans and Abby Glenn, along with Jim Ayres, chair of the school’s 9/11 committee, raised the flag from the troops stationed at Camp Striker.

The service concluded with all students singing “God Bless America.”

“We were very glad to see so many people come out to the ceremony and we are hoping that people will walk away with a better understanding of our mission,” Ayres said. “We’re working together to nurture our youth and strengthen our liberties.”

See all photos from the 9/11 ceremonies at www.gulfcoastphotosnow.com.