On the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, Gov. Kay Ivey told students at a Montgomery elementary school they can develop the qualities of the leaders and heroes who helped America bounce back from the terrorist attacks that claimed 3,000 lives and undermined the nation’s sense of security.

“Nine-eleven is a solemn reminder of the profound debt of gratitude owed to all who sacrificed their lives for us,” the governor told the third- and fourth-graders at Halcyon Elementary School. “It also showcases the powerful rebounding spirit of our nation. And America’s strength in the face of its darkest hours lies in the hands of us, her people.”

Ivey told the students that leadership means the ability to uplift others and set an example, like the police, firefighters and civilian heroes who saved lives on the tragic day.

“I’m looking at each one of you,” Ivey said. “I know you have the potential to lead. We’re in a world where the challenges and opportunities faced are unlike any we’ve ever seen before. And the continuing need of good leadership cannot be stressed enough.”

Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Melvin J. Brown said it was important for schools to promote understanding of how 9/11 changed the nation.

“It’s important from a historical standpoint our kids have a sense of what that was like,” said Brown, who is starting his third school year leading the Montgomery system. “We lived through it. They were not born at that time. So, I think it’s important we share our experiences with them so they can learn what that was all about.

“Having an homage to history and understanding how we can learn from it is important for them as well as us. And it’s important that we tell the truth about situations that take place. We want our kids to have a full understanding of history from that standpoint and to be able to talk about it in accurate terms.”

Brown said he wants students to understand how, at least for a time, Americans became more unified in the aftermath of 9/11.

“We were all one,” Brown said. “And I would hope that we can learn from that to be that again. It’s been a struggle politically the last couple of years, the last few decades. But hearkening back to that time, we were together. And I think it’s important to reflect on that and try to get some semblance of that back.”

The students, in red shirts and khakis, filled the lunchroom at Halcyon, which was decorated with ballons and signs marking the day. The students were quiet and attentive as the governor spoke. After her remarks, a school choir sang “God Bless America.”

Halcyon Principal Shannon Schmidt said it was the first visit by a sitting governor in the 24-year history of school, which has about 700 students in pre-K through 5th grade.

“I hope the children understand what a huge opportunity this was for them, that the governor of their state, a governor that they study about in Alabama history during the fourth-grade year, was here today with them,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt liked hearing the governor encourage the students to become leaders.

“We have smart kids here at Halcyon, smart students in the city of Montgomery, and hope that they will continue to do the things that they’re doing. Learn, work hard in school so we can continue to improve Alabama and they’ll be great leaders in our communities one day,” Schmidt said.

Ivey told the children that stronger students mean a stronger Alabama.

“I want to leave y’all with a challenge today,” the governor said. “And that is to take initiative, be a leader, put in the hard work, so you can return to school a stronger student each and every day. You’re the future of our state and our nation. And your journey starts right here at Halcyon Elementary.”