Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:
More than two decades ago, our nation experienced the most devastating attacks on American soil, claiming the lives of thousands in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, PA. Twenty-two years may seem like a long time, and for many of our students, it represents a lifetime. As we mark the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we pay tribute to the 2,977 precious lives lost, and to the countless acts of heroism revealed during that dark hour.
In honor of our country and in remembrance of all those who lost their lives, there will be a tolling of the University bells for two minutes at the times below today. We invite you to observe a moment of silence at these times.
8:46 a.m. │ AA Flight 11 was flown into the World Trade Center North Tower.
9:03 a.m. │ AA Flight 175 was flown into the World Trade Center South Tower.
9:43 a.m. │ AA Flight 77 was flown into the Pentagon building.
10:10 a.m. │ UA Flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, PA after heroic actions by passengers and crew.
We also encourage you to visit the 9/11 Veterans Memorial between 9:00-11:00 a.m. today, located across from the entrance to the Rebecca Stafford Student Center, to plant a flag in honor of the fallen heroes from this tragic day. An additional moment of silence will take place immediately following the flag planting at 11:00 a.m.
While no words or deeds can ever remove the pain and sense of helplessness caused by the 9/11 attacks, my hope is that we—as a University community—will pause to reflect on the solemn significance of this day by honoring the thousands of lives lost and remembering the brave heroes who responded on that fateful day and in the years that followed. May we never forget.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President