Students and staff from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center united with local and state Metro East representatives to reflect on the tragedy of September 11, to respect the gift of life and to resolve to make a difference.
“We reflect, remember and respect the lives that were lost and changed forever,” said Anita Brandon, director of the East St. Louis Community College Center (ESLCC). “The lives that were changed forever include all of us in the room today.”
More than 60 people gathered at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus (ESLHEC) to remember the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, that set the U.S. on a course of war against terrorism.
Those in attendance included: Lt. Col Renysha Brown, district director for U.S. Rep. William Enyart (D-Belleville); Kimberly Clark, Enyart staff assistant; Jesse Dixon, director, SIUE East St. Louis Center; Gina Washington, director, SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS); Mayor Alvin Parks, City of East St. Louis; and students and staff of CHS and the ESLCC.
Brown recited comments from the U.S. Congressman. A portion of Enyart’s statement read: “September 11 will not be soon forgotten by me, nor by those who were tragically affected by the events of that day.
“I encourage everyone to take a moment of silence and reflect upon those who were victims of the attack, those who were the first responders on the scene, and those who paid the last full measure of devotion in the weeks, months and years following that day.”
September 11 has become a day of remembrance for the country, said Dixon, who said he moved to New York City two months after the terrorist attacks. “How do we remember and what should that look like?” Dixon asked. “That’s up to you.”
Desmond Porter, a CHS junior, read his original poem, A Loss of a Loved One: “. . . Fire and smoke fill the air, but life and love power through. Many unsuspected angels, many unforgotten heroes step in to lay their lives on the line for people they do not know.
“A small group took thousands. A small group saved thousands . . . This day the earth stood silent.”
September 11 is also a teaching day, said Parks. “Most of the students in this room were toddlers at the time of the attack,” the East St. Louis Mayor said. “We want to make sure that people understand that today is supposed to be one of remembrance and service.
“I’m encouraging everyone, to thank all of our police, firefighters, emergency personnel and veterans. If it had not been for their service, then the freedoms that we enjoy in the U.S. would not have been possible.”
At the end of the program, red, white and blue balloons were released from circle at the ESLHEC.
Photos:
Lt. Col. Renysha Brown, district director for U.S. Rep. William Enyart; East St. Louis Mayor Alvin Parks and a group of East St. Louis Charter High School students prepare to release balloons in remembrance of 9-11.