Echoes of 9/11 haunt campus memorial service

On September 11, 2001 Americans woke to the harsh reality that there were people in the world who hated them. This September marks the 12th anniversary of the most devastating loss of life on American soil from foreign attack and the largest loss of rescue personnel in U.S. history.

With help from the Office of Student Activities, the Associated Student Organization hosted a campus memorial.

“It’s important for everyone to remember what happened on September 11th because it had such a huge impact on what is happening today,” said ASO President Laura Del Castillo. “It’s important to remember where we come from so that we can anticipate where we are going. So it’s good that we are able to have these kind of memorial events.”

SWC President Dr. Melinda Nish delivered an emotional speech about how the tragedy affected her personally and the unyielding demeanor demonstrated by the Citizens of the United States.

“Some nations hated our freedom and our way of life so much that they imposed upon us what they thought would be a crippling event,” she said. “But what they did not count on was the independence and resilient spirit that lies in each of us Americans.”

Not all students concurred.

“I can’t really agree with that,” said Enrique Cisneros, an administration of justice major. “When you think about all the freedoms we have lost, you can’t help but feel like the terrorists won in some way that day.”

Stephen Bowlin, Fire Science Instructor, reminded the students of the firefighters and police officers who woke up that morning excited to go to work, ready to respond to the scene and the ultimate sacrifice they made.

Bowlin was involved in body recovery on those sad New York days as the rubble was sorted and removed, giving his words impact.

Valeria Blake concluded the ceremony with a powerful poem.

Nish said she was impressed by the event.

“I was pleased that the students were able to put this together,” she said. “I just want to thank the students because they did not need prompting or direction to understand that it is important to stop and honor the lives of those people that have been lost, particularly the innocent, in protecting the freedoms that we enjoy every day.”