In homage to those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Sykes Union Advisory Board orchestrated a candlelight vigil on the evening of Sept. 11. Participants congregated at the front steps of the Sykes Student Union building around 9 p.m. in anticipation of the planned 9:11 p.m. lighting of the candles. Not only were candles furnished to attendees, but small American flags were given out, too.
The vigil was launched by guest speaker Dave Timmann of Glenmoore, Pa.
“We do not have enough candles, as we did not expect this much of a turnout. But we’re happy you’re here. We brought 250 candles and 250 flags, and they are all gone,” Timmann expressed graciously.
Megan Tracey commenced the ceremony with a formal recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterward Jasmine Forster, President of the Sykes Union Advisory Board, recited “The National Anthem.” Next the infamous studio version of “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood was played.
As each torch was lit, one lighting another, the steps of the student union illuminated to a gentle glow. In remembrance for all of our fallen brothers and sisters we lost to terrorism that day 11 years ago, pivotal moments of silence took place.
The fall air was crisp, the night silent except for the hum of locusts and chirps of crickets. It was a truly peaceful sight of unity, a student body acting as a unit to honor those lost in this tragedy. The entire front lawn and enormous staircase of the student union were filled with those gathered to pay their respects.
All of the students raised their torches in reverence to those whose journeys ended that day now over a decade ago.
“We will always remember,” Forster spoke softly into the microphone.
I asked students in the crowd what they thought of the event, how they felt about the school sanctioning this sort of affair. “I think it’s really great and that we should do something like this every year,” WCU student Erica Rosell said.
After her public speaking duties were fulfilled, I pulled Forster aside to get her thoughts on domestic security after these dreadful attacks 11 years ago.
“I didn’t have an idea of safety at the time it happened. I was so young. I have awareness of how prevalent terrorist attacks are in other countries … I do not think we have as much to worry about here in the U.S.,” Forster explained.
Mayor Comitta joined in the vigil for our fallen countrymen and women.
“I am so proud of the WCU students and so moved by this tribute … I like that this is a tribute to remember those who were lost, and to honor all of the people who had the courage to help save others … I think the young people here are the future, to do the things that need to be done, to do the right thing,” Comitta said.
It is vital to acknowledge the sacrifice of these American heroes. The board who put this event together should be very pleased, because the event was a huge success. The generous volunteers who spoke and sang at the event gave a real intimacy to the scene.
Most importantly, the students who comprised the real body of the 9/11 vigil last Tuesday should be commended. Whether they are in 400-level seminars, working part time while attending school, or just plain swamped with work, something like this should score high in the priority list. We should all take the time to pay tribute to those who paid the greatest price of all for our freedoms and liberties: their lives.
Nicholas Devoe is a fifth-year student majoring in English with a minor in journalism. He can be reached at ND626335@wcupa.edu.