Story by Josh Hayter
Over one hundred MSU students, faculty and staff gathered at a candlelight vigil in Sunwatcher Plaza on Sunday evening in remembrance of the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by Sheppard Air Force Base Honor Guard. The pledge of allegiance was then recited.
Michael Mills, SGA vice president during the events of 9/11 and current director of housing, recalled his experience that day as an MSU student how he saw America respond.
“As awful as that tragedy was, it brought out the true character of the citizens of the United States,” Mills said. “Everyone put aside their differences and came together to show that we would get through the crisis.”
Mills said that it is important to remember not only the victims of the attack but also the heroes of the New York Police and Fire Departments who put their lives on the line in order to save the lives of others. Also, Americans should never forget the troops that have fought and those who continue to fight to keep our country free.
“9/11 was a day that forever changed our country and it’s a day we will always remember,” Mills said.
Ruth Morrow, professor of music, said she was saddened for the actions that made the day necessary but emboldened by the embrace of the world as it stood fast against terror. To express her thoughts and feelings, she read an email as well as “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep,” a poem by Mary Frye.
“Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.”
“9/11 was no mistake and there was nothing humane about it,” Morrow read. “Shameful evil acts of others must teach us, no longer can we take things at face value, but we can research and educate ourselves and celebrate those who are good, honest and well intentioned. Let us not dwell on the past but remember, honor, run and walk toward a brighter future.”
“We tend to use momentous occasions for reflection and growth (and) this is among the most momentous in US history,” she said. “May we walk gently during the time that we have, do good works, and draw strength from those who have gone before us.”
Woodrow W. “Woody” Gossom, Jr., Wichita County judge, was the keynote speaker of the evening.
“God bless America!” he said as he began his speech.
Since Sept. 11, America has changed in many ways but in others, it has stayed the same, Gossom said.
“We’re a more cautious group of people, either by choice or by circumstance. We are more suspicious. We don’t know where we are economically or politically and we question where we are power wise. We’re pessimistic. We remain skeptical,” he said. “(But) we are a proud nation and we deserve to be. We are undaunted. We have faced the worst dilemma that we’ve ever faced on our continent. And we have survived. We are optimistic. We believe that things will be better and that we will overcome enemies both foreign and domestic.”
Gossom closed with a prayer.
David Farabee, former state representative, challenged those in attendance to tell service men and women and loved ones how much they are appreciated.
“I think that’s the one thing, as we reflect on the past, that we might look back and say ‘I wish I had done that more. I wish I had told people who were closest to me ‘I appreciate you. You mean a lot to me,’’ Farabee said.
Renee Dubois, MSU student, provided thoughts on the future.
“We as the next generation must begin to stand united for the progression of our nation and the global society,” she said. “We must begin to address the social issues in our society and acknowledge that we are all Americans and equally entitled to the pursuit of happiness.”
The service ended with the singing of “America the Beautiful” by the University Singers followed by a brief moment of silence.