Candlelight Vigil Remarks
President Karen R. Hitchcock
University at Albany
September 11, 2001
Throughout the day, we have all watched the images of horror from New York City and Washington and western Pennsylvania.
Many of us have spent fearful and frustrating hours trying to contact friends and family. This is a human tragedy beyond anything we, as a nation, have ever experienced. Our hearts and prayers go out to those whose lives have been so terribly and so forever changed by these unthinkable acts. As we learn more, I fear we will learn of members of the University family who have lost loved ones — learn of alumni and friends who have themselves been lost on this day of infamy. Innocent people whose loss affects us all.
Here in the University community, we are united by shared values and beliefs — by the belief that human understanding and knowledge can triumph over cruelty and violence — by the belief that each one of us, each human life, is valuable and important. That belief makes today's tragedy even more painful. But it is also gives us hope, and the foundation for our own continuing actions.
In the face of terrorism and inhumanity, our strength lies in our fundamental faith in our humanity — in our shared values of compassion and love for one another. In the University, we join hands and minds to better humanity, to move our civilization forward. We must hold on to these beliefs and goals ... even in the face of such a savage attack. Yes — the most powerful response of a free people to despicable acts of terrorism is to reaffirm our values, our belief in one another and in our ability to move forward together.
I am so proud of the many here who have given blood, or quietly joined their National Guard units, or walked around the campus comforting others who were in pain.
We are a family, a community. We respond with horror to this day's events — and with love and support and comfort for those in need. Let us draw strength from each other as we struggle to comprehend this tragedy — this assault on all we hold dear.
Please, let us join hands in a moment of silence for all those injured and killed — for all those suffering the terrible loss of a loved one ...
