Beta Pi Chapter in the News
September 13, 2002

http://www.easternecho.com/news/20020913/20020913_vigil.html

Students express thoughts at vigil
Candlelight speakout remembers 9/11
By Rachel Shippy
Echo Staff Writer

Student Government along with the sorority sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha sponsored a candlelight vigil and student forum in commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedies.

Students gathered Wednesday evening behind the Pray-Harold building around the kiosk, painted courtesy of the Lambda Theta Alpha sisters, in remembrance of the events that took place one year previous. Student Body Vice President, Matt Meyer commented that he wanted to organize this event in order to give students an opportunity to express their views and discuss what happened last Sept. 11.

The ceremony commenced with a brief introduction from Meyer and sorority president, Marisa Moceri. Before inviting students to come up and share their thoughts regarding Sept. 11, the pair invited all those present to join in the singing of the National Anthem. Meyer and Moceri both said a few words of remembrance then left an open microphone for anyone in the audience to speak out.

Sept. 11 affected everyone, but in many different ways.

"It made me respect the little things around me more, especially my family," said junior Jamie Frasure. "You never know when something like this will turn things around."

Other speakers throughout the evening gave personal testimonies of how the attacks indirectly and directly affected them. Students shared stories of family members who were pilots, government employees, or members of the military and relayed their fears and emotions from the moment they heard about the terrorist acts. Others commented on the unification of United States citizens, while others argued that we should be uniting as merely humans. One speaker commented on the issue of division among nations saying, "These are just flags. We are all human."

Many of the speakers mentioned the comfort we take for granted in our everyday lives and how a tragedy such as Sept. 11 can be a rude but beneficial awakening to what really matters. Others commented on the spiritual awakening they received as a silver lining to such a large cloud. Still more speakers flowed to the microphone to share their thoughts about those lives that are tied to the enemy. One student shared her prayers for the terrorists that committed these acts, while another student compared the numbers of lives lost in the world trade center to the number of innocent Afghan people the United States government has claimed as casualties.

Two more students fixed themselves in front of the audience to offer a musical tribute as students continued to share their views and stories. From renewing family ties, to gaining pride in America, to eliminating prejudices, to remembering where they were that tragic day, students continued to share their personal angles in regards to Sept. 11.

Junior Belinda Cotton said she came to the event "to show respect and support for the lives lost on 9/11 and for fellow students who were affected somehow."

For junior Dan Schunck, however it was a matter of patriotism.

"I'm here because I want to support our country always, not just now," Schunck said.

The vigil drew to a close with the audience pledging allegiance and a guided prayer. The Lambda Theta Alpha sisters involved in planning the event thought it was important to offer this forum to students because "it affected everyone in some way, everybody could relate somehow to one of the speakers," Shippy said. "It allowed students to speak their minds and get an understanding of where others are coming from. It also provided a sense of unity on campus by students relating to fellow students."