Rensselaer community members came together in the Armory last Friday on a national day of remembrance and prayer to reflect upon the deaths of the victims of the recent terrorist strikes on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.
Classes were canceled from 11 am to 2 pm to permit the event to take place.
During a speech by Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson, students held hands and later observed a moment of silent remembrance.
"In light of everything that has happened this week ... many of our students have expressed fear, confusion, and anger. ... At pivotal moments our world does change, so to have these feelings is normal. We all have them—I have them. And that is why it is so important that we gather together," said Jackson.
"We are facing a very stark reality ... I said to my father that a part of us all is dead. ... Family gatherings like this across the nation and across the world will be the only way that we can truly begin the healing process—if something like this is ever truly healed from." said Grand Marshal Gil Valadez.
At the event’s conclusion, students sang "America the Beautiful" and were encouraged to remain in the Armory to bond with friends.
An RPI professor, who had lost consciousness and experienced cardiac-related problems following the event, was transported to Samaritan Hospital by RPI Ambulance and Troy Fire Department, according to Public Safety. No further details were available.
The death toll from the World Trade Center’s collapse is expected to be in the thousands and that from the Pentagon’s devastation is expected to be 189.
RPI community members also showed their support during the weekend for the recovery efforts going on in New York City and Washington, D.C., by holding candlelight vigils, erecting American flags and signs, and donating more than $50,000 to relief organizations such as the Red Cross.
