It has been 12 years since the most devastating act of terrorism on U.S. soil, but we have not forgotten.
At 8:46 a.m. on the morning of September 11, 2001, countless Americans watched in horror as a plane crashed in to the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This was the start of a series of attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and devastated the Nation.
The attacks on 9/11 served as a frightening reminder of our vulnerability, but they were also a reminder of our strength. In our darkest hour we came together and supported one another in a way we never had before. Bound together by the sting of loss, we set aside our respected differences and stood together as a truly united nation.
To honor the many people who lost their lives and the countless men and women who have served our country, the Las Positas College Veterans First Program organized the 9/11 Observance “Never Forget” on the 12th anniversary of the attacks. On Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013, students, faculty and staff members gathered in the upper quad to remember this sad day in our history.
The observance was a bittersweet reminder of the unspoken bond we formed through this terrible tragedy. LPC Veterans First Coordinator Todd Steffan introduced Interim President Guy Lease and Pleasanton’s Chief of Police Dave Spiller who both spoke about the importance of remembering 9/11 and the service men and women who continue to defend our country. The observance was a reminder that we Americans share a history and are connected not only by the unforgettable tragedies that have befallen our nation but also by our love and concern for one another.
“We get caught up in our own lives, so it is good to take a moment like today to observe, honor and remember,” Steffan said when asked about the importance of the observance.
The event was concluded with a moment of silence, and that was all it took to bring back the memories and emotions of that tragic day. For a moment we were once again connected by our mutual feelings of sadness and loss.
“I feel it’s very appropriate to honor and remember those who we have lost,” Lease said in response to the question of how he felt about the observance.
Lease had previously spoken to the attendees about the importance of remembering this particular moment in our history to prevent future occurrences and to remind us that we must always stand together.
September 11, 2001 is a day that we may not always want to remember, but it is a day we will never forget.