Remembering September 11, 2001

Today marks the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day that continues to shape our nation’s history and our collective memory. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost, and countless more were forever changed. As a community, we pause to honor those who perished, to remember the families who grieve, and to recognize the extraordinary courage of first responders who ran toward danger with selfless resolve.

Most of our students were not yet born when these events occurred, and yet the legacy of 9/11 remains with us all. It reminds us of the fragility of life, the strength of the human spirit, and the responsibility we carry to live with compassion and purpose.

Here at Saint Mary’s, we have a special opportunity to remember together. This morning at 8:46 a.m.—the moment when the first plane struck the World Trade Center—and throughout the day, members of our community will participate in the 9/11 Stair Climb, hosted by Club Sports in partnership with Veterans Support Services. The climb symbolizes the 2,200 steps taken by first responders in the Twin Towers, and it serves as a moving tribute to their bravery. I applaud the organizers of this event and encourage you to take part, whether in the stadium or at one of the alternate routes, as an act of honor, remembrance, and community.

Anniversaries such as this one invite us not only to look back, but also to look ahead. May we draw from the unity, resilience, and courage displayed on September 11, 2001, and strive to embody those same qualities in our lives today.

As we honor this day, I am guided by the words of Saint John Baptist de La Salle: “In the light of faith you see things quite differently.” May our faith, our hope, and our shared humanity light the way forward.

Sincerely,

Roger J. Thompson, EdD
President