Dear Colleagues:
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge our nation and our communities to come together in unity, we have an opportunity on the upcoming 20th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, to reflect on this great country that, regardless of her flaws, stands as a beacon of freedom across the globe.
At Winthrop we will remember those who perished on September 11 as well as those first responders who put their lives in peril to serve others on that fateful day with a short ceremony at 8:45 a.m. on September 10 at the flag pole in front of Tillman Hall. We also remember those who, in subsequent years, fought and died on foreign soil to uphold American ideals.
Later this week you will notice displays of American flags on Scholars Walk and at the main entrance to campus. The flags on front campus at the fountain will be lowered to half-staff through the weekend. In addition to our September 10 program, at 8:46 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, the Tillman chimes will play Taps, the National Anthem, and God Bless America in tribute to the lives lost and to those who continue to defend our freedom today. In keeping with the service component of Patriot Day, there also will be a campus litter clean up on Saturday from 8-10 a.m., sponsored by Staff Assembly and the Office of Sustainability.
Over several months, the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections collected oral history interviews from faculty, staff, and community members relating to the attacks of September 11, 2001. The 20th anniversary website was unveiled earlier this month, and I appreciate the time and effort that went into documenting this “Day America Cried.”
Wherever you are on September 11, I hope you will pause and reflect on the impact of this day and what we can learn from this pivotal moment in our American history. Even at a time when uncertainties abound for each of us, we can choose to rededicate ourselves to service and civic engagement.
Despite the challenges we face as a nation, this remains the land that we love. Its healing, unity, and renewal is needed today as it was after September 11, 2001.
Sincerely,
George
Interim President
