On Thursday, Sept. 11, the University of New Hampshire held its Day of Remembrance for the Sept. 11 attacks, starting with a morning ceremony that brought together first responders, soldiers, and members of the general public.
The event’s speakers honored the courageous and selfless first responders and members of the New York Port Authority who lost or risked their lives to save people from the buildings destroyed in the attacks. Also honored were the passengers of Flight 93, who died preventing a fourth plane from striking its target. The speakers included UNH alumnus and former Staff Sgt. Douglas Rodoski, Riot Capt. Greg Bunsen, Lt. Col. Jerry Soko, Town Councilman Wayne Burton, UNH President Elizabeth Chilton, and Associate Vice Provost Gretchen Heaton.
The service began with three ROTC students raising the flag to half-staff, followed by Fire Chief David Emanuel's introduction of the service.
Former Fire Chief Ronald O’Keefe led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Melissa Manseau, lecturer in voice for Theatre and Dance, singing “America the Beautiful.”
Rodoski, the event’s first speaker, honored the four UNH alumni who were killed in the attacks: Judd Cavalier, Jennifer Fialko, Timothy Stout, and Professor Robert LeBlanc.
Although Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, as well as Rep. Chris Pappas, were unable to attend, all three sent letters. These letters were read by State Deputy Director Chris Scott, Constituent Services Representative Nelson Idahos, and Deputy Fire Chief Robert Atwater, respectively.
“We must continue to ensure our country is ever worthy of their sacrifice and service,” Sen. Hassan wrote in a letter read by Deputy Chief Atwater.
The letters were followed by a ringing of the bells honoring the firefighters who died during the attacks. The signal, a series of four short bursts, each comprising five rings, is a firefighter ceremony for those who die in the commission of their duty.
Lt. Col. Soko honored the two UNH graduates who were casualties of the wars that followed the attacks: Capt. Benjamin Keating, who was killed, and 1st Lt. Scott Quilty, who was wounded.
In a closing address, Chief Emanuel addressed the students of UNH. “You are the future,” he said, “I challenge you to use your knowledge and energy to solve problems and build bridges.”
Later that day, blood and food drives were hosted in the Granite State Room, continuing an American tradition of honoring those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks with acts of charity and community. The food drive collected food for Cat’s Cupboard, the on-campus pantry open to all students. The blood drive, organized by the American Red Cross and the Red Cross Club & Student Nursing Organization, donated blood to local hospitals and emergency services.
According to event director Jenna Riley, 77 people booked appointments to donate blood, reaching full capacity.
Also at the drive was a table set up for “Kindness Cards.” The organizers provided pens and paper for people to write letters of thanks to firefighters and other first responders.
“It’s a way for people to volunteer and help, even if they can’t give blood,” said Riley.
The day of remembrance marked the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
