SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — More than 2,400 students from every school in the South Kingstown School District thanked local first responders on Thursday, giving high-fives to members of the town's fire district, EMS and police department.

Joe "Tiger" Patrick II is the commander of VFW Post 916 and started "Hi-5 for Heroes" to commemorate 9/11.

"I volunteered at Ground Zero and each anniversary was really depressing for me. I approached a local elementary school about what SK does to commemorate or teach about 9/11," Patrick told 12 News in an email. "We came up with the idea of students and teachers celebrating our first responders to make a positive event."

The annual event kicked off in 2019, and according to Patrick, it was an instant hit.

"It's a day everyone really enjoys and l

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