 "Photo: Photos by Noelle Chew")
Brilliant lightning lit the sky and rain surged down in cascades, mercilessly drenching the entire Brandon campus. However, the torrential downpour could not drown the spirits of the people gathered there to celebrate the spirit of patriotism.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 was the eighth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center by Al-Qaeda terrorists.
In a heart-warming display of camaraderie and patriotism, more than 50 people gave up their Friday night to gather in remembrance of those lost in the attacks.
By far one of the most touching moments was the testimonies of Larry DeJoseph and Anthony Corio, former New York Police Department officers with 20 years of service under their belts.
DeJoseph was an actual witness to the second plane being flown into the second tower of the World Trade Center.
“At first I thought it was an accident…New York City is a no-fly zone,” he said, shaking his head soberly as memories flooded back. His eyes flickered to his colleague as though to confirm, “It was just devastating…something from a movie. I thought to myself, “this shouldn’t be happening,” but it did.”
A smoking pile of timber and twisted metal was all that was left to remind America of the two proud towers which had once stood tall. Memorials, such as the one held in Brandon, are a part of keeping the memory of those deceased ever present.
Sobering methods of memorializing the tragic event included a candlelight vigil, testimonies from former NYPD officers, and a speech from the president of the Brandon campus. The event also included refreshments for attendees, raffles, and live music.
Tracey Wendt, president of Alpha Lambda Alpha chapter of Phi Theta Kappa for the Brandon Campus and event coordinator, expressed similar views. “Our generation is losing sight of the fact that people our age are dying,” she said, with eyes growing slightly clouded.
“It’s so out of sight/out of mind for us. If we do not get involved, we will forget. We need to support the military regardless of our political views.”
Wendt, 24, a sonography major, has been president of the chapter since 2007 and said that the event, which was put on by Phi Theta Kappa, was a team effort.
Overall, the memorial was a success. All who attended huddled together under the pavilion, solemnly observing a moment of silence for the dead as rain beat down on the metal roof. Then the quiet moment was finished. And then suddenly fewer and fewer guests remained as they decided to face the rain and melted away into the darkness, a renewed sense of respect for their country and their soldiers stored in their hearts forever.
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