Some students at the Tuskawilla Middle School in Oviedo are marking the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks with a simple musical tribute.
Many of the students know first-hand how a day they barely remember has changed their lives.
As they sang the national anthem for News 13, the 7th and 8th graders said the words mean more to them now than ever.
"I don't take things for granted anymore. Ever since this happened. I think everything is very important. I'm glad for every day," said Lauren Whalley, a chorus member.
"I really know what the words mean now and I know that like our country's really important and we need to have our freedom," said Hannah Croll.
These girls are too young to remember the attacks from six years ago. But many know how that day changed the lives of friends and family.
"My mom was on the trauma team for 911. She went to the site after the plane crashed in Pennsylvania, Croll said.
"My mom's friend Bill, he goes over to Afghanistan, and he fights for us," Holder said.
Nikki Krietz, 13, sent an e-mail to News 13 asking us to visit Tuskawilla Middle School for their dedication and singing of the national anthem. She said the song makes her think of her cousin, who is serving in Iraq.
"I just hope that he's OK and that he comes home this month to get married to his girlfriend," Krietz said.
Cheyenne Graham thinks about her dad, who is in the Air Force.
"He's in Texas right now, and sometimes he calls me and he talks about maybe he might have to go toIiraq and overseas and stuff. I just hope he doesn't have to go over there," Graham said.
The national anthem is a song that is very familiar to these girls. It is the song they were required to sing in order to audition for this special performance group, which sings the national anthem at special events throughout Seminole County as well as at Orlando Magic basketball games.
"Songs come and go. I forget half the songs I sang last year, but I'll always remember this one," said Olyvia Corvisiero.
This Friday marks the anniversary of the day Francis Scott Key penned the Star Spangled Banner.
If you would like to see the full performance of these middle-schoolers singing our country's national anthem, you can go to News 13 On Demand at Digital Channel 313. Look for the special September 11th tribute.