As 11 a.m. classes let out, a quiet crowd gathered in front of Central Hall. The entire student body of the Hillsdale Academy, Hillsdale College students and faculty, and those visiting campus for the Center for Constructive Alternatives filled the Quad to commemorate the eleventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The forty-five minute memorial service was organized by the College Republicans with assistance from Young Americans for Freedom and the College Democrats, along with guidance from Jeffrey Rogers, assistant dean of men.
This is the first event all three clubs have planned together.
“It is a partnership which, in my opinion, is a great display of the unity Americans need on this day, especially in years such as this, where we are divided by the upcoming elections,” said junior Maxwell Kleber, president of the College Republicans, in his opening remarks at the memorial service.
The noon memorial service featured opening remarks by senior Katherine Rinaldi followed by Kleber, who said many people not much younger than himself most likely have no recollection of the events that transpired 11 years ago.
Bishop Peter Beckwith’s invocation was followed by the presentation of the colors by a U.S. Army Color Guard. Academy first and second graders recited the Pledge of Allegiance while holding a flag Rogers helped unfold and present. A quartet from Phi Mu Alpha then sang the national anthem.
The keynote speech was delivered by Lt. Col. Michael Murray, executive director of career services. His speech focused on the immense sacrifice made by those in uniform in the 11 years after the attack. Today, he pointed out, is the first Tuesday, Sept. 11, since 2001.
The service concluded with sophomore Marshall Gobba performing the ceremonial ringing of the bell, followed by taps played by seniors Chelsea Kilgore and Deborah Ross.
The event was observed by many student and faculty veterans in full uniform, standing at attention.
“This ceremony is about remembering those who we lost, both in the tragedy and the heroes that proved themselves,” Rinaldi said. “It is also about community, about coming together and commemorating their memory.”
This summer, Kleber asked Rinaldi to spearhead the planning of the day’s events. Rinaldi immediately began thinking of innovative ways to make the memorial service different and fresh.
Rinaldi planned the candle-light vigil, a memorial that has not been done at Hillsdale since 2001.
“I think it will now become an integral part of the College Republicans 9/11 ceremony,” Rinaldi said.
Though the candle-light vigil did not have as high an attendance at the night service, the quad glowed from the white bags with candles inside, forming the letters U-S-A.
Members of the Catholic Society and Hillsdale Christian Fellowship offered an invocation, followed by the ceremonial ringing of the bell. Sigma Alpha Iota and Mu Alpha sang patriotic songs, lit by the soft glow of the candles.
“I’m very pleased at how the event has expanded in scope from previous years,” Kleber said. “As our memories of 9/11 become more and more distant, I feel it necessary to do more to remember what transpired on that day.”