York College Observes 24th Anniversary of 9/11

Salute

On a bright September morning, York College once again paused to honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001. Today, 24 years later, the college community gathered to reflect on the tragedy that reshaped the nation and to ensure that its lessons are never forgotten.

Borrowing from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s words about another national tragedy -- Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, 9/11 too remains “a date that will live in infamy.” For those who lived through it, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid. For younger generations, the observance is a way to understand the terror and loss that struck New York, the Pentagon, and the skies above Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Every year since the attacks, members of the College community have gathered in the plaza. Public Safety Chief James Assmann, along with his team in dress blues, faculty, staff, and administrators stood together to honor not only the thousands who were killed that day, including York alumnus Ezra Aviles, but also those who continue to suffer from illnesses caused by toxic dust from the fallen Twin Towers.

“Out of that dark day came incredible stories of courage,” said Interim Chief of Staff Nyisha Howell, on behalf of President Claudia Schrader, who was unable to attend. “[They were] first responders who ran toward danger, not away from it. Strangers who helped one another down countless flights of stairs. And ordinary people who made extraordinary sacrifices.”

Ms.Howell added that the day’s meaning extends beyond grief. “9/11 is not just a day of mourning, but a day of unity,” she said. “In the face of terror, we stood together. We held each other up. We remembered what it meant to be one nation, indivisible. Let today be a reminder not only of the lives lost that day, but of the many who have since perished from related illnesses. Let us also cherish the strength we found in each other. Let us honor the memory of the fallen by living with purpose, treating others with compassion, and never taking a single day for granted.”

The brief ceremony ended with the placing of a large wreath at the base of college’s flagpole, which along with the state flag, was lowered to half-staff.

York College Honors 9/11 with Wreath-Laying Tradition

Public safety officers stand at attention at the wreath-laying ceremony.

On September 11, York College, CUNY pauses to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of 2001 and to pay tribute to the heroes who risked and gave their lives that day with a wreath ceremony.

The wreaths are often adorned with touches of red and blue, symbolizing New York City’s first responders. These colors evoke the bravery of “New York’s Finest,” the NYPD, and “New York’s Bravest,” the FDNY. On that fateful day, these men and women displayed unparalleled courage by running toward danger when others fled, forever cementing their legacy as heroes.

Public Safety