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CHICAGO-KENT COLLEGE OF LAW
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR VICTIMS OF
THE TRAGIC ATTACK ON AMERICA
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2001
Yesterday, President Bush referred to what happened on Tuesday as
the "first war of the 21st Century." He promised that
America would lead the world to victory, over what former President
Clinton called, "this attack on our common humanity."
President Bush also said, "that through the tears of mourning,
he could see opportunity."
As we mourn the very many people who lost their lives on Tuesday,
we should embrace the spirit exemplified by Jeremy Glick and Peter
J. Ganci.
Jeremy Glick was a young man who was a passenger on United Airlines
Flight 93. Mr. Glick and some of his fellow passengers sacrificed
their lives by causing that airplane-alone among the four-to crash
before it could hit a building with other innocent victims. Peter
J. Ganci was Chief of the New York City Fire Department. He sacrificed
his life attempting to rescue the thousands of people who were victimized
by the World Trade Center attack.
As we pursue the victory that President Bush talked about, we must
be faithful to what makes this America: the purposefulness and the
willingness to sacrifice exemplified by Mr. Glick and Chief Ganci.
But also the respect for civil liberties and individual freedom
that defines us, and the diversity that makes us strong.
In regard to diversity, it is significant that this event was organized
by our international students, members of our LL.M. Program and
residents of Law House.
Now I would like to ask us all to join people all over Chicago,
all over America, and all over the World with a moment of silence
in remembrance of the victims of Tuesday's disaster. After our moment
of silence, we'll be led in the singing of our National Anthem.
[2 minute silence]
If you now would join Rebecca Kohn in singing our National Anthem.
Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Thank you Rebecca. And now I'd like to call upon Advait Sethna
who represents the international students who organized this event.
Good afternoon ladies and gentleman. My name is Advait Sethna. I
belong to the LL.M. students group here and I am from India. As
you all know, we have assembled here today to pay our respects to
the victims of the unfortunate unprecedented and tragic event that
has not only shocked the United States of America but had its implications
felt across the globe. As history demonstrates, it is not for the
first time that this great democracy-an ideal for many nations of
the world-has been attacked. As President Bush recently remarked,
that this nation is in the process of rebuilding and will now emerge
even better, stronger, and much more resilient than ever before.
America has a dual responsibility before it right now: (1) is to
bring the people who are responsible for this attack under justice,
preserving the rule of law, and even a bigger responsibility of
preserving and maintaining the principles of international peace
and security for which America has always strongly stood. As expressed
by India, and a leader of every nation across the globe who have
condemned the acts of terrorism, we all unitedly express our solidarity,
support, and unity to this great nation. Tears cannot be wiped from
every eye but we can definitely pray to the Almighty Lord to give
the affected families the courage and endurance to face the difficult
times that have now. May God give the strength to those rescue workers
who are relentlessly fighting to save the lives of several victims
victimized by this attack. Finally, on behalf of the international
student community, I exalt you all to make every contribution you
can. This contribution will not only give all of us immense satisfaction,
but will also be regarded as a service to humanity-a service to
mankind. Thank you very much.
Now I would request Ms. Victoria to say a small prayer.
My name is Victoria. I am from Kenya so for me, this event has really
touched my heart because just about three years ago the same thing
happened in Nairobi. So I want us to bow down and just say a few
words a prayer.
Dear God, today we come to you with mixed emotions. We are hot,
we are angry, we are confused, and we feel completely helpless.
Yes we are thankful and grateful. We are grateful for the short
but meaningful lives that you gave us. We are grateful for friends
and family and we are grateful for this nation and its people.
Today we ask you to send out and reach out to those families that
are mourning and grieving. We ask you to comfort them when they
hurt, and are able to find answers to all their problems. Supply
their needs both material, financial, and emotional. Above all,
help them to see beyond everything else the faith in humanity
as a whole. Teach us and show us how to help them. Give us the
words to speak, the supplies to meet their needs, and the love
to help them go through this. Bless this country, its families,
its children, today, tomorrow, and always. Amen.
Before we finally conclude, I would request Ms. Agnieszka to say
a few words. Thank you.
My name is Agnieszka Cenzartowicz and I'm from Poland. I am one
of the students here. I would like to thank everybody for coming
here and also on behalf of myself, my friends, and of course the
school. I think that its really important to express a kind of solidarity.
We felt both suffering and grief with the families and of the victims
of this tragic event. I would like to ask before your leave to sign
the condolence book in the hall here. Once again, if you can make
any donation to the Red Cross or another fund, please do it because
I think that it's a kind service for all human beings. Thank you
very much.
Thank you all for participating. Please do sign the condolence book
that is on the table right over there and make whatever contribution
you feel yourselves able to make on the other table. Thank you.
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