Last night approximately 150 University students came together in the amphitheater to hold a memorial for those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks four years ago and the soldiers who have lost their lives in U.S. military endeavors overseas.
The vigil featured speeches from Student Council President Jequeatta Upton, Charlottesville Fire Chief Charles Werner, and Politics Prof. Stephen Knott. The event also featured a performance by the Silhooettes and a non-denominational prayer service.
Speakers spoke of the need for community support in the aftermath of large scale tragedies such as Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina.
"The greatness of America is our ability to reach out and lend a helping hand," Reverend Mildred Best said.
Knott focused on the heroic actions of the passengers of the flight that crashed in Shanksville, Pa.
"Let us leave here today remembering the example of the Shanksville 40 and those who died on September 11," Knott said.
The attacks are still felt deeply in the University community, which lost five alumni in the tragedy.
"We all remember where we were on September 11," said third-year College student Mike Wain, who organized the event with third-year College student Ginger Hatfield. "Most of us did not know these victims, but the grief still overcomes us."
Wain, as part of a yearlong graduate-level fellowship with the Foundation for Defense of Democracy, called the vigil the "primary way" to commemorate those lost in the tragedy.
Students said they have been shaken by the repercussions. Third-year College student Ebony Plummer came to the event because her father is currently serving in Iraq.
"I'm really scared for him," Plummer said.
The University has commemorated Sept. 11 for the last four years, drawing many repeat attendees.
"It's a day we can't forget," said fourth-year College student Candice Rawlings, who has attended the memorial service for the past four years and brought her mother this year.
The event and those touched by it offer inspiration for the University community as it deals with Sept. 11 and other more recent challenges, Upton said.
"We, as a diverse student body, will continue to stand united," Upton said.
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