The Spectrum

Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Elyse Harrell Students and faculty attend the 9/11 Candlelight Vigil.

Media Credit: Elyse Harrell Hundreds of tiny flags were stuck in the ground as a tribute to those who suffered .

Sacred Heart held many events to commemorate the tragedy that happened five years ago. On Sunday, there was a mass held in the University Commons where students and faculty gathered together in prayer and a "Banner of Hope" was placed outside the Chapel to give everyone a chance to express their feelings and memories of the event.

From 8:30 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. on Monday, events across campus helped the Sacred Heart community remember the fall of the Twin Towers that changed the nation. The day started with a Flag raising ceremony and moment of silence organized by Edward Crespo of Public Safety.

Crespo's plans included a presentation by the New York Fire Department, Police Departments, and other public service members. Military personnel came to represent the men and women in the armed forces still fighting in Iraq.

"As the flag was raised, two trumpet players from the band accompanied the singing of the national anthem," said Crespo. "A series of poems, songs, and speeches relating to the events of 9/11 were delivered. Various moments of silence occurred during the specific times at which the first plane, second plane, the pentagon, and flight 93 crashed."

Other events included an Interfaith Service where those who lost love ones could had their names read at the service and a panel discussion titled: "Five Years Later: What Have We Learned From 9/11?"

The discussion was conducted by various faculty members including David Coppola and Dr. James Castonguay of the Media Studies department, Dr. June-Ann Greeley and Dr. Brian Stiltner of Religious Studies. Each of them expressed their opinions on post 9/11 topics such as themedia's influence, Islam, terrorism, and its effect on public health and the possibility of future massive emergencies.

Students like Bridget McGowan, junior, Franklin, Mass., found the discussion panel an important part of the 9/11 anniversary events.

"I found it to be very interesting. September 11th is still something that hits close to home for many of us, especially since our school is located so close to New York City," said McGowan.

"Being from Massachusetts, I didn't have anyone close to me directly affected by the tragedies, but being so close to Logan Airport in Boston, I felt very unsafe at the time. Going to an event like this on campus helps us to remember the seriousness of the situation. It is very real and is still something I think about daily," she said.

A Candlelight Vigil was held at 10:10 p.m. on the Patio as the culmination of the 9/11 anniversary events. The vigil was sponsored by the sisters of Beta Delta Phi, Kappa Phi and Zeta Iota Lambda.

"For the past few years, Beta Delta Phi, Zeta Iota Lambda and Kappa Phi have gotten together to create a candle light vigil on September 11th," said Jessica McCarthy, senior, Beta Delta Phi, Brooklyn, N.Y.

The vigil is a time where students can come together as a group to help remember what had happened and to be there for each other, McCarthy explained.

During the vigil, everyone attending comes together to light candles, listen to prayers, and share experiences with each other.

"The memories of that day are still so fresh in my mind. I'm from Brooklyn so I saw a lot of what was going on, visions that will stay with me forever and I think it will always be emotional when you think about how many children will grow up without their parents," McCarthy said.

"You also have to look at the great way that people came together after it, and how so many people are still helping each other out and how everyone put their differences aside and came together as one because of 9/11."

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