Unity Walk Remarks
President Karen R. Hitchcock
University at Albany
September 12, 2001
As we all come together today, we are united in our compassion for all who have lost loved ones in yesterday's tragic events, united in our support of those who suffer the agony of grave injury or the terrible anguish of not yet knowing the fate of their friends and family, united in our desire to be of service to those in need, and united in our commitment to democratic ideals — to freedom and the value of each and every human life. Yes, this is a day to speak of unity. The shock of yesterday's inhumane and cowardly acts of cruelty is reverberating world-wide ... increasing the resolve of all civilized peoples to preserve the very values which unite us ... values which will allow us to emerge from this tragedy, stronger, more compassionate, more devoted than ever to each other. The justifiable anger and frustration we all feel needs to be focused on the defense of our principles — to overcoming hate, not adding to it — to rejecting prejudice, not condoning it ... to responding to this act with wisdom — and, as said last night at our candlelight vigil — with balance.
This can not be an occasion to strike out blindly, to be indiscriminate in trying to assuage our very justifiable anger. Those responsible for these acts must, as our President stated, be "... brought to justice." But, just as importantly, those who are innocent must be protected and supported in our mutual time of mourning.
Recently here at the University we celebrated and memorialized the University at Albany faculty, students and staff who, since our founding in 1844, defended our country in times of peace and war. Many gave their lives to preserve the very ideals which today are being tested. They were committed to freedom, to democracy, to the value of life, to the abhorrence of violence and hatred and prejudice. Even as we reflect on their courage and commitment, we must assure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
Today's Unity March and this afternoon's forums reflect the highest ideals of a university ... to combat evil with knowledge and seek understanding of the context of this tragedy and the democratic imperatives for our future.
Today, as we reflect together on the acts of hatred which have stunned the world, let us remain united ... remain united in our resolve to combat the evil of random acts of terrorism with a renewed awareness of the sanctity of human life ... with a deep commitment to the principles which define our democracy ... indeed, the entire civilized world. And, let us remain united in our compassion for those most directly affected by yesterday's acts of infamy — for those who struggle with deep loss and those who continue to struggle with the anguish of the unknown. Our thoughts and prayers are with Raymond Murphy and his family — a freshman here at Albany who lost his father, one of the many courageous fireman who gave his life to save others. Raymond, as others of our students, faculty and staff have suffered terrible loss ... our thoughts and prayers are with them all.
As I said last night, I am so very proud of the many of you who have reached out — who organized last night's candlelight vigil, who are giving blood, who are joining the rescue efforts in New York — who are comforting others who are in pain.
Indeed, we are a family, a community. And, even as we share the horror of New York City, of Washington and of Pennsylvania, let us draw strength from each other ... share in our prayers for those killed and injured. And share in our compassion and support for all who have suffered indescribable loss, as, together, we struggle to comprehend this assault on all we value.
Please now join hands and let us share a moment of silence, remembrance, gratitude to all who are risking their lives to save others, and prayer for all who have suffered through these terrible hours.
Unity Walk Photos
