Santa Cruz Police Honor Guard at 'Cookies for Courage'

In honor of 9/11, the Santa Cruz Police Honor Guard joined Holy Cross Elementary School students in a moving flag-raising ceremony Friday morning and a prayer for peace.

Every year since the World Trade Center attack, the school has had a memorial ceremony. But over the years, it changed to a ceremony honoring first responders.

"The oldest students here were only 2 or 3 when 9/11 happened," said the school's principal, Sister Adrienne. "It changed to a ceremony of expressing gratitude for the first responders."

They call it Cookies for Courage, and each student brings in a dozen or two cookies (most are homemade), which are distributed to the first responders who attend.

"It was a great experience," said Sister Adrienne. "This year our message was a prayer for peace. The theme of the year is that we can make a difference."

Father Mike Marini blesses the fire trucks, police cars and emergency vehicles, and the children get a first-hand look at the equipment and the people who risk their lives for them.

"They love that part," said Sister Adrienne.

Patch, through its parent company, AOL, is involved in a project called ActionAmerica. The project is a collaboration of several corporations, individuals and non-profits organizations designed to honor those affected by the events of 9/11 and unify the country through positive action.