Campus honors 11th anniversary of 9/11

The tragic events which took place 11 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001 may always be branded in the minds of citizens around the world. To pay tribute to the many lives lost, Plattsburgh State once again held its 9/11 Memorial service in front of Hawkins pond.

Students, faculty and members of the Plattsburgh community gathered in front of the 9/11 memorial at the pond to pay their respects to the victims of the attacks, two of whom were PSUC graduates.

Robert Sutcliffe, class of 1984 and William S. Erwin, class of 1992, were both at work in the World Trade Center when the attacks occurred.

The ceremony began with the mounting of the flag by members of the college’s marine ROTC color guard.

While the college is usually in charge of the memorial service, Omicron Delta Kappa was instead responsible for this years’ service.

“This is a great opportunity for both PSUC and ODK to show remembrance for 9/11,” ODK president Tim Maggio said.

ODK Faculty adviser Michael Cashman said the organization’s role as this year’s memorial host was an opportunity to help support a meaningful ceremony.

In a speech, Student Association president Charles Sanchez shared his memories from the day of the attacks

“I was in 5th grade in Manhattan at the time of the attacks, and I remember the tension and uneasiness among my teachers,” said Sanchez. “It’s safe to say the country will remember this day for as long as it exists.”

Following Sanchez’s speech, college historian Douglas Skopp gave his 9/11 testimonial.

“All across America today, and beyond, somber words  are expressing heartfelt, sincere sympathy with the families of those who, only 11 years ago, were killed or injured in the attacks in New York and at the Pentagon and for those who heroically stopped another plane in Pennsylvania for its intended target,”  Skopp said. “Today, in every town and city of our nation and beyond, people will express words of sorrow, appreciation, resolve.”

To close the ceremony, rabbi Kari Tuling offered a prayer followed by the Star-Spangled Banner sung by the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir. The ROTC color guard then returned to dismount the flag.

After, the ceremony, Skopp noted that college is a great place to reflect on the attacks.

“College is a place of open-mindedness where we can clearly about what happened,” Skopp said. “History is a learning experience and we need to model ourselves on what is just and wise.”