by Nadiya Abraham
Richmond Times Dispatch
September 11, 2006
Five years after the attacks of Sept. 11, America still remembers the day the Twin Towers fell and area universities are making sure that their students and communities don’t forget it.
University of Richmond spokesman Brian Eckert said that the fifth anniversary is one in which people can take a more comprehensive look back at the events and reflect. According to Eckert, four alumni lost their lives during the terrorist attacks, making it a personal ordeal for UR. The university is holding a daylong ceremony that will include inter-religious prayer services at 12:30 p.m. at Canon Memorial Chapel. Then at 7 p.m. in the law school’s Moot Court Room, a town hall discussion will feature a Richmond sophomore from Afghanistan, a Virginia Muslim community leader, a local Red Cross official who worked at the crash sites on the day of the attacks, and a professor specializing in Middle Eastern affairs.
“We’re hoping to help people continue to remember an event that had a terrible impact on our country and promote understanding.” Eckert said.
Virginia Commonwealth University is also paying their respects to those who lost their lives. The university is holding a prayer vigil, along with a candle-lighting ceremony and speeches by leaders of different faith-based communities. Jessica Lee is the chairwoman of the student senate, which is sponsoring the program. She said that the goal is to give students a chance to be united, honor those who lost their lives and address the ideologies of hate on every side.
“I think a lot of people feel on their toes so they are now extra cautious,” Lee said. “But I also think people are expanding conversation because it has sparked a curiosity in young people about what Islam really is.”
Lee says she expects a big turnout simply because of the impact Sept. 11 has had on individual lives.
“The events changed America in general,” Lee said. “Take for instance the creation of a Homeland Security major at VCU. Even if you weren’t there, everyone remembers where they were on 9/11. It’s a part of our culture now.”
VCU’s memorial events will take place at 8 p.m. at the Commons Plaza.
Randolph-Macon College spokeswoman Holly Clark said that the Ashland school is also planning on commemorating the fifth year anniversary. The activities will include a short time of prayer, singing and reflection after which Salameh Nematt, Washington Bureau Chief of Al-Hayat International Arab Daily, will give a lecture addressing the future of U.S. and Islamic relations at 8 p.m. by the fountain located at Henry Street.
“We’ve had a great response from the community in the past and we’re expecting the same this year,” Clark said.
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