Ursinus Community Remembers 9/11

September 11, 2001. Where were you sitting? What were you reading? What was the smell in the air?

 We all remember the little details. We remember the tiny parts of our lives that made up what came to be known as 9-11. Some even remember the big details. Some remember standing there, in New York City, watching the towers come to their knees.

No matter what you have to remember from the day, the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks makes you think of something every year. The 10th anniversary, though, certainly brought about more than passing thoughts throughout the world.

The Collegeville community did not miss out on remembering the date and all the lives lost just 10 years ago. Though many members of the community were living adult lives when they heard the news and had vivid memories of the day to share, there was another part of the community that showed its respect a little differently.

As students at , our stories come from middle school. They come from the teachers who told us and the early dismissals that sent us home to our parents in chaos. They come from young minds trying to understand, trying to comprehend.

For this year’s remembrance, a group of Resident Advisors, a volunteer office, and a couple other key individuals on Ursinus’ campus stepped up and made an impact, making 9-11’s presence felt everywhere from the organic garden to the dining hall, all weekend long.

Ursinus community members were encouraged to show their patriotism in their wardrobes by wearing red, white, and blue Friday-Monday and to attend an assortment of services and activities in honor of the date.

Friday and Saturday’s mealtimes made way for the building of the UC Student Remembrance Display. Students were asked to take cards of American flags and write messages to support of families and friends of all those in public service and of the many who lost their lives 10 years ago.

Due to inclement weather, the planned display of the flags on the lawn outside of Wismer was moved into the Wismer Dining Hall, but the spirit felt in them could not be dampened. They decorate the dining hall walls proudly and predominantly, showcasing the expressions of student memories and sentiments.

The actual date on Sunday began with Coach Brian Thomas, who was chosen to speak based on his “extraordinary military service and sacrifice,” said Ursinus Chaplain Dr. Charles Rice. “[Thomas] received a Bronze star with a V for Valor, Purple Heart, and combat infantry medal during his service years. Currently, he is a retired First LT.” Rice said, “He gave a powerful message that was well received by all the students.”

After Thomas’ address to students, UC community members were invited to show their respect for the date by performing community service in the campus’ Organic Garden off Ninth Ave.

Though the date was over, the recognition continued into Monday, when Ursinus students, faculty, and staff welcomed the crew, and to campus. Students were invited to dine with the locals to show their appreciation and respect for all the difficult work they do in our community.

Though the celebrations and remembrances may be over, 9-11 is not something to be swept under the rug on the twelfth of September. We will continue to respect and honor those who keep us safe every day. Happy Patriot Day, America. Never forget.