On this 19th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Monroe Community College held its annual remembrance -- this time virtually in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The keynote address was delivered by associate history professor Mark Sample, who spoke on past tragedies, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and 9/11, and how those events brought a nation together.
“We are not facing today just one tragedy or crisis, but many,” Sample said. “Health issues, social problems, political firestorm. America is suffering again.”
He told MCC students and staff that what hurts one of us hurts all of us, and what helps one of us helps all of us.
Mark Maddalina, an area architectural designer, created the 9/11 monument on the school’s Brighton campus that was dedicated in 2002.
He’s spoken at the school on every 9/11 anniversary. This year, though, his remarks were delivered online.
“On the anniversary of this day that brought our country together and rallied the world behind us, we are obviously facing an array of new challenges,” he said. “These can leave us feeling alone with fears and anxieties. But I encourage you all to try to be the light for others.”
The monument is designed so that every 9/11 at 8:45 a.m., light that shines through it casts a shadow that bears a likeness to the Twin Towers.
The inscription on the monument’s plaque reads: “Our heroes are always in our hearts. In one morning our world changed forever. Let us honor the sacrifices of September 11, 2001 by living our lives in freedom.”
The remembrance was hosted by Bryce Gernon, MCC’s student government leader, who was born two weeks after the attacks in 2001.