The George Washington University community gathered virtually on Friday to remember those who lost their lives, lost loved ones and risked their lives to save others during the tragic attacks that took place 19 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001.
“On this day in 2001, we lost nine GW alumni in the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City,” said Andy Sonn, director of GW’s Military and Veteran Student Services. “Today, we come together virtually to mourn this tragedy, honor their memories and the memories of all of the victims who lost their lives that day.”
Dr. Sonn began the university’s virtual day of remembrance, which was organized by the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services, Sigma Delta Tau and University Events.
Marked with #GWRemembers, the @gwvets Instagram shared posts and reflections throughout the day to honor the victims and first responders of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Mac Manning, program manager for Military & Veteran Services, highlighted the efforts of the first responders who “selflessly put themselves in harm’s way” to aid those in New York City during the attacks as well as those working on the frontlines of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today, our nation’s facing a new crisis, and similar to Sept. 11, brave individuals are stepping up to the frontlines to help everyday Americans,” he said.
Mr. Manning announced the launch of a letter-writing campaign, aimed at thanking first responders and medical personnel helping communities across the country during the pandemic, as part of a partnership with GW’s chapter of Sigma Delta Tau.
The account also shared memorials for the nine GW alumni who died during the attacks including Sara M. Clark, Andrew K. Friedman, Melissa M. Harrington Hughes, Robert F. Mace, John P. O’Neill, Todd H. Reuben, John Sammartino, Andrew Stergiopoulos and James T. Waters Jr.
GW President Thomas J. LeBlanc, who shared remarks to close the virtual day of remembrance, said that while many of GW’s students may not have a personal memory of the events, all community members should pause and take time to memorialize and reflect on the day as one important to our nation’s history.
Dr. LeBlanc said while the significance of Sept. 11 is often the lives lost and the attack on our country’s core values, acts of bravery and heroism also shone brighter that day through the acts of first responders, members of the military and veterans. He urged members of the university to continue to serve their communities the best way they could through the pandemic.
“Today, I hope that you will join me in honoring the memories of the lost and the sacrifices many have made for our country,” he said. “Join me in renewing our commitment to making a difference in this world by finding ways, big and small, to serve others.”
