Students, faculty, staff and members of the community lit candles in front of Koury Center Wednesday evening at a vigil to remember those affected by the September 11 attacks. Details...
The vigil, hosted by the Student Government Association, drew approximately 500 people to the grassy quad on Young Commons. SGA President Christian Wiggins offered opening remarks, followed by three student prayers representing the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths.
Elon student Brian Feeley, a volunteer firefighter in the metro New York area, shared his thoughts about the tragedies and the courage of firefighters, police and rescue workers who aided in the recovery.
Two student musical groups, Twisted Measure and Sweet Signatures, led the group in the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”
Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of student life, offered a community message. “Though we were affected in different ways and to different degrees, we were all affected,” Jackson said. “We now realize that what we once thought happened only in faraway countries can happen even here in the United States of America. In some ways, we all feel more connected to the suffering that occurs through out the world as we realize we are not immune from terrorism.”
Kate Colussy-Estes, assistant chaplain, closed the service with a benediction and group prayer. The vigil was similar to one hosted by the SGA in September 2001, just days following the attacks.