By Melissa Lee
Photo Credit: Melissa Lee
On Wednesday, at 8:46 a.m., the carillon bells rang out at
GW’s Mount Vernon and Foggy Bottom campuses. At this time, GW faculty and
students paused to remember the tragedy of the September 11 attacks on New York
and Washington, D.C. Countless individuals lost their lives on September 11,
including nine GW alums.
At 7:00 p.m., students gathered at University Yard to
participate in a remembrance vigil in honor of all those who lost their lives
on September 11, as well as those who participated in acts of heroism in the
face of fear and tragedy.
Volunteers distributed small paper-lined candles to all
attendees as they entered to watch the service. Student Association President
Julia Susuni opened the event, thanking all participants. She introduced a
series of prayers that members of several faiths delivered, all of which
emphasized remembrance and reconciliation within the university community.
President Steven Knapp then gave remarks, noting his pride
in students’ commitment to service and community through university events
honoring the victims of September 11, such as the annual interfaith dinner and
day of service.
The service proceeded with those who provided firsthand accounts
of the events of September 11. An admiral, who was at the Pentagon during the
attacks, recounted his experiences on that day, and he thanked all Americans
for what they have done for their country. He also spoke about some kind
strangers who helped him get home from the Pentagon that day, as well as how
everyday people have helped to honor the victims and heroes of September 11.
GW student Mike Masseroli provided a deeply personal story
of how his father was killed in the World Trade Center during the September 11
attacks.
He said that September 11 was his first day of the first
grade, and that his father had left to work earlier that morning. Nothing
seemed out of the ordinary, Masseroli said, but later that day he learned that
his father would not be returning home. Despite this tragedy, throughout his
life Masseroli has committed himself to continuing his father’s legacy.
Masseroli said that some people describe September 11 as a day that revealed
the evil side of mankind, but he disagrees. Instead, he believes that September 11, 2001 was a day when Americans demonstrated the best side of human resilience.
“I was really happy
that they asked me to be a part of it this year,” Masseroli said when WRGW
asked him what Wednesday’s remembrance vigil meant to him. “Last year I
attended as a spectator, and they saw my photo in the Hatchet, and the GW events staff contacted me a couple of months
ago and asked me if I would be a part of this, and I knew right when they asked
me that I had to do it. It was a great opportunity to just give what I hope was
a unique perspective on the issue.”
After Masseroli’s speech, nine candles were lit in honor of
the nine GW alums who lost their lives on September 11. These nine candles were
then used to light the candles of the service attendees. Choral music,
including a rendition of “God Bless America,” was sung during this time. Those
present paused for a moment of remembrance.
Susuni gave closing remarks for the service, inviting
members of the GW community to become further involved with other events in
remembrance of September 11 such as the annual interfaith dinner.
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