Tag: 9/11
Memorializing 19 Years Since 9/11
by Kyle Burgess on September 17, 2020
Campus
by Julia Acquavita ’22
News Staff
This past Friday, Providence College students and faculty commemorated 9/11 with a beautiful memorial service on the lawn in front of the Arthur F. & Patricia Ryan Center for Business Studies. According to Charlie Dumon ‘21, President of PC Republicans, the club has been hosting this 9/11 memorial at PC every year since the horrific attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
When asked if the PC Republicans have ever considered coordinating an event with the PC Democrats in future memorial services, Dumon responded by saying that his club has not considered hosting the event with the PC Democrats. The PC Democrats are normally responsible for the Veterans Day memorial service, while the PC Republicans are responsible for the 9/11 memorial. However, Dumon made sure to note that “this event isn’t political. Our [PC Republicans] club just has the privilege of hosting it [the 9/11 memorial].”
Regarding how PC students, faculty, and staff can continue to remember and honor the sacrifices and lives lost on this tragic day throughout the rest of the year, Dumon stated that each person can choose to honor the lives lost on that day in their own, special way. Dumon explained that one member of the PC community may show their support by “waving at Providence Police and Fire departments as they drive by on Eaton Street,” while “for another, it could be praying for the families of those lost.”
Regardless of how one chooses to honor the sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001, the most important thing to remember is to Never Forget.
Forever and Everyday
by The Cowl Editor on September 17, 2020
Poetry
by Marelle Hipolito ’22
I have heard the story, almost two decades old
Where were you when it happened, who did you call?
Moment of silence every year on this day
Eight forty-six, bow your head and pray
Gray clouds rose in the summer sky
Fire and ash took away air and sight
Darkness overwhelmed the light
Three thousand were taken, with no kiss goodbye
I have heard the story, almost two decades old
Where were you when it happened, I ask her, Who did you call?
A moment of silence, before I hear her say:
I was there that morning. I lost everyone that day
Gray clouds ruled the sunny sky
Fire and ash stole my lungs and sight
Darkness cast out all our light
I was not able to kiss them goodbye.
This is my story, I’ve lived it almost two decades long
I miss them all! My loves, my lives — I will never let go
My heart breaks every moment, every year, every day
It is eight forty-six, please bow your head and pray:
For the innocent souls, both young and old
We will never forget, we will never let go
Moments of silence, we honor and pray
Never forget September 11, forever and every day.
Honoring Those Lost on 9/11: PC Republicans Hold Flag Ceremony in Remembrance of 9/11
by The Cowl Editor on September 19, 2019
Campus
by Catherine Brewer ’20
News Staff
As the sun began to burst through the clouds on Wednesday morning, Dean Toomey ’22 sat on a stone bench in front of the Arthur F. and Patricia Ryan Center for Business Studies and watched the line of students and faculty trickle down the path and off to their 8:30 a.m. classes.
Seeing the American flag raised over the lawn, many stopped to join the crowd. “I actually lost my aunt, who is my godmother, in 9/11,” said Toomey. “She was in the South Tower. So every year, I think it’s right for me to pay my respects for all the stuff that she has done for me and my family. And for all those first responders and those victims.”
To honor all who have been affected by the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, members of the Providence College community gathered at the annual memorial hosted by the Providence College Republicans.
“I believe that the 9/11 terror attacks are something that this country should never forget and will never forget,” said Krista Minniti ’20, the president of the student organization. “I know personally at PC there are many, many students, faculty, and staff that have all been affected by it, whether it’s family, friends, and just hearing stories of others. So I think it’s important to honor their memories and honor their lives with this every year.”
While the memorial has been installed differently in previous years, Minniti explained that her group decided to raise the American flag away from the ground this year in the interest of respect.
Andrew “Andy” J. Sullivan, the executive director of the Physical Plant, helped students secure the flag in place as he waited for the ceremony to begin. “Personally, 9/11 has a lot of special meaning. I was active duty navy at the time and it really changed the course of my life,” said Sullivan.
He explained that despite having planned to leave the navy, he chose to serve his country for another 20 years. “I think it’s important for us to continue to remember those events. Certainly, the freedoms that we have and appreciate everything that we have here in the world, and of course here on campus,” he added.
Members of the Providence Police Department were also invited to the memorial’s blessing, which was made by Father Alan Piper, O.P., at 8:45 a.m. Students and staff were encouraged to offer special intentions for friends and family members.
Toomey encouraged students to take more moments to remember and honor the victims of 9/11, whether that be through prayer, conversation, or simply reaching out to someone you know.
“In high school, on 9/11, we would always have a prayer to start class, and I always thought that it’s small things like that that go far, at least for me,” he explained. “I wish I saw that a little bit more with people here, just talking about their experience and how it has affected them, and the pros and cons of how everything is after that fatal day.”