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Never Forget: VWU Community Gathers to Reflect on 9/11
University's annual Remembrance Gathering held in the campus Peace Garden
University News | September 11, 2018
Photo Gallery: 9/11 Remembrance Gathering
The events of September 11, 2001, forever changed the world we live in. Today Virginia Wesleyan University paused to reflect on that fateful day and to honor those who lost their lives and those who selflessly responded when the country was in need.
The University community held its annual 9/11 Remembrance Gathering in the Peace Garden located between Clarke Hall and Hofheimer Library. The event was organized by the Chaplain’s Office in coordination with the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom.
Following opening remarks by Provost and Vice President Timothy O’Rourke, junior Andre Wiggins '20 recited the Gettysburg Address.
“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
University Chaplain Rev. Greg West led guests in prayer and a “Litany for Peace in Our Communities” (based on Psalm 88), and Yaminah Lewis ’21 and Thomas Reinhold ’20 offered a moving performance of “America the Beautiful.” Nicole Johnson '19 shared reflective quotes, including sentiments from Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate,” she said.
The event concluded with a call to action from Kelly Jackson, Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom.
“As we go our separate ways,” she urged, “may each of us—through our prayers, thoughts, and actions—carry the spirit of peace into the world.”