Every year on September 11, Willow Grove Elementary’s fifth graders read Man in the Red Bandana and learn about the courage of Welles “Remy” Crowther, whose bravery during the 9/11 attacks earned him the nickname “The Man in the Red Bandana.”

Yesterday, students had the incredible opportunity to meet another Remy.

Named in honor of Welles, Remy is a remarkable electronic detection dog with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. Alongside her handler, Detective Hayes, she uses her incredible skills to help keep our community safe.

And this year, Welles’ legacy has received one of the nation’s highest honors. On September 8, Crowther was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing his extraordinary courage and selfless actions on September 11, 2001. His family accepted the honor on his behalf.

From a story about an ordinary person who showed extraordinary courage to Remy, a remarkable detection dog carrying on his name and legacy, our students received a powerful reminder: heroes come in many forms, and courage can make a lasting difference.