Tusculum College community marks Sept. 11 anniversary

The Tusculum College community came together Wednesday morning (Sept. 11) in a memorial service to mark the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, remembering not only the heroism and lives lost on that day but also recognizing the blessings America has received.

"We come today to remember the lives of all those people taken by the terrorist attacks, to say prayers for our nation, and to pray that as a college community we will commit ourselves to the way of peace," said campus minister Dr. Steve Weisz as the service began.

The United States' enemies say that the country is great because it is powerful, but the nation is powerful because it is great, said Joyce Doughty, community service coordinator for the Service-Learning Center, as she shared a quote of Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The nation is great because it not only has military might, but also legal, moral, spiritual, and intellectual strength, she continued, ending with the King quote, "Peace is not only the end, it must be the means."

Ge-Anne Stuart and Cody Stone shared their thoughts and experiences of Sept. 11. Stuart said after hearing the stories of the survivors and those who lost loved ones, she better understood how the events of Sept. 11 affected the entire nation.

"People were united after the terrorists attacks," she said, "but it is sad that it had taken such a tragedy to bring people together." Stuart said she hopes that her prayers for comfort and healing of those who lost loved ones and the survivors will one day help them experience that comfort and healing.

Reflecting on the tragedy, Stone said that Americans are fortunate that they do not face acts of terrorism each day as people living in the Middle East do. "I think about how I felt in the Commons when I saw the news of the event," he said. "But, there are teenagers who must face that every day - those who live in the Middle East." Stone concluded with a challenge to those in attendance - "when we step out of here today, will we be grateful for what we have or forgetful of our blessings?"

Scott Mashburn, dean of students, said that people across the nation asked what they could do in the days following the Sept. 11 tragedy and that the question is still pertinent today.

"We can pray, offering hope and encouragement for those who lost loved ones that day and for those who are actively protecting our freedom," he said. "Prayer is one of the most important duties of citizens of America today."

After a film clip was shown about former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks, a passage from Psalm 27 was read by Robin Brown, director of student activities.

Anne Reever, assistant director of distance education at the Tate Library, led those in attendance in singing the "Star Spangled Banner," "Amazing Grace," and "His Strength is Perfect." Dr. Jonathan Franz, provost and academic vice president, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Red, white, and blue memorial ribbons were distributed following the service, and people were asked to wear them in support of the nation, men and women in the armed forces, the local community, and as a hope symbol for a peaceful future.