CBU remembers the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2018) – Students, faculty and staff at California Baptist University took time on the 17th anniversary of 9/11 to remember and reflect on the terrorist attacks that rocked the U.S. in 2001.
The Associated Students of California Baptist University (ASCBU) offered an opportunity to commemorate and honor the 2,977 people who lost their lives. At the Stamps Courtyard, students, faculty and staff took one of 2,977 flags, one for each victim, and placed the flag in the lawn, outlining a cross. Additionally, in the evening at Stamps Courtyard, there was a time of worship, prayer and refection.
For T.J. Roe, a computer science sophomore and a representative for ASCBU, the remembrance of the day brings about strong feelings of his family.
His brother was in his first year of Air Force when the attacks took place. Also, Roe has family in New York. Roe, who was 3 at the time of 9/11, remembers his mother being brought to tears as the events unfolded.
“It’s important to remember,” Roe said. “9/11 was something that brought this country together, during the mourning and the loss of thousands of lives. It didn’t matter what your religion was, your political party, it unified this country as a whole.”
Andrew Bajema, a criminal justice freshman, stopped to place a flag. Bajema, who wants to go into law enforcement, was wearing a shirt with the New York Police Department logo to show support.
“It was an event that all Americans faced. It was a tragedy and it’s something we should honor and something we should respect,” Bajema said.
Ken Sanford, adjunct professor of education, recalls watching the events on television that day.
“The thing you have to think about, is these people were going about their normal day, going to work, school and they lost their lives,” Sanford said. “That’s why we have to remember, that could have been anybody.”
Dr. Chris McHorney, chair of the department of history and government, said, even as time passes, it is important to remember the attacks, both from a personal and governmental level.
“While the pain may become more bearable, those families will never stop grieving,” McHorney said.
“From a policy perspective, understanding current American foreign and domestic policy is impossible without knowledge about the 9/11 attacks,” McHorney added. “The 9/11 attacks will continue to impact the lives of Americans for many more years.”