Congressman Speaks at Gettysburg College on the Fifth Anniversary of September 11th

By Victoria Chihos

Gettysburg College junior, David Moore was the initiator of the night’s events designed to commemorate the five year anniversary of the World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedies that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. With the cooperation of the Student Senate and Student Senate President Stephen Ginter, Gettysburg College was able to organize the event that included speeches by the school’s chaplain, Joseph Donnella, Dean of Students Julia Ramsey and the spotlight speaker of the night: Congressman Todd Platts from the 19th District of Pennsylvania.

The memorial began with the playing of the National Anthem by the Gettysburg College band under the direction of Dr. Lewis Peddell and concluded with a heartfelt candle lighting while the band played “God Bless America.” The mood was solemn and respectful as onlookers observed the historical significance of the setting of Gettysburg where the civil war raged about hundred forty-five years ago. Dean Ramsey made note of this “enduring quality” of the College and the town of Gettysburg in her speech.
Although the tone of the ceremony was mournful, Congressman Platts recognized the need for the survivors to keep the dead alive by remembering the “hope of that day” and most importantly the “love of that day.” He cited the sense of national pride and togetherness that arose from the deaths of thousands. No one in the crowd could say that they had not been affected by the events of September 11; even the institution itself lost three alumni in the attacks.

The words of the night’s speakers resonated in the air as those present blew out their candles and walked off in silence, a few asking each other “do you remember where you were when it happened?” Many can recount this memory exactly, which is a testimony to the significance of 9/11 in the minds of Americans everywhere.