No one has forgotten that scar of a day when history, lives and America was changed forever after terrorist attacks.
The world watched in sorrow and awe as the Twin Towers in New York fell to shambles.
A remembrance of 9/11 was held by Bakersfield College on the anniversary of the attacks.
As the West High Junior ROTC held American flags, the flag salute was said with passion.
“One nation under God,” rang from everyone’s voice in a sweet unison.
BC president Dr. Sandra Serrano spoke of being overcome by great emotion as she remembered 9/11 and listened to the national anthem.
“However, it’s a time to reflect in the freedom we enjoy in America. We are here to remember the victims and certainly the families who still suffer from the loss of family today. It’s time to remember those who are in Afghanistan and Iraq and countries around the world who are protecting us.
“We are a country that can endure and overcome.”
Representing the faculty was history professor Dr. Randall Beeman. Beeman told how he was from a little town in the Midwest and was always taught, “…to disdain New York and that it was full of mean people and foreigners. It was the antithesis of our little town.”
After having a chance to visit New York on several occasions, both before and after Sept. 11, Beeman’s view changed.
“The city is a bustling affirmation of American values. New York was and is a friendly city, full of hard working optimists.
“We were shocked that people who do not understand our strengths in our freedom chose to attack the twin towers – a mighty sign of our drive, our leadership, and our faith in a better future.”
Juanita Chrysanthou, vice president of student services, said the message for 9/11 was to move on.
“I think it’s essential to have events like this especially in a college environment where what we are all about is learning. That’s what education is all about. Making a difference and changing people’s lives … People recognize something really different happened in this country.”
Students of all ages attended the commemorative event.
Son Le, a sophomore at BC, said, “I was thinking about everything that was going on that morning and it brought back many memories.
“I think it’s important that we stay strong and find strength in each other to move on. It’s great that students can show respect by coming out today.”
Dean of Students Beto Gonzalez said that the remembrance at BC and other events in honor of September 11 “is critical to the vitality and strength of our country.”