The Enduring Significance of September 11, 2001

Today we pause to remember those whose lives were tragically altered by the events of September 11, 2001, now commonly referred to as “9/11.” Reflecting on the profound impact 9/11 had on many, including myself, it occurs to me that the majority of our Saint Mary’s students had not yet been born when this national tragedy unfolded.

In our thoughts and prayers, we include the victims and families of those who perished and all the individuals affected by the events of 9/11. We also honor the heroic first responders who put themselves at great risk that day. 

On September 11, 2001, I was serving at the University of Alabama and, like many, was initially confused when the news media reported that an airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Immediately I wondered whether bad weather in New York City had led to a tragic accident.

However, when my executive assistant, Judy, shared that a second aircraft had struck the WTC, a different feeling emerged. I looked at Judy, and somehow we both knew something was different and life would not be the same for some time. We both knew this was not an accident but an attack on our nation. Later we would learn of the plane that hit the Pentagon and the other plane that never reached its destination and instead crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, thanks to some of the most courageous individuals imaginable.

It was an uneasy morning in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and while it was 23 years ago, I can close my eyes and feel that anxiety and dread all over again as I think about that morning. The sense of uncertainty for what might come next was ominous and overwhelming.  

My recollections about my experience cannot fully capture how so many others felt that morning. To  help our students understand the context of that chaotic and highly emotional period, I would encourage them to listen to Alan Jackson’s song about September 11, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” Mr. Jackson premiered this song at the Country Music Awards shortly after September 11.  

Though our students have surely read about 9/11, watched films or documentaries, or learned about this devastating part of our nation’s history from their instructors and coursework, it may be understandably difficult to feel the deep, personal connection to that day that many of us from a different generation do. I anticipate there will be classroom discussions and opportunities for reflection today that can aid our students in gaining a fuller appreciation for the enduring significance of September 11, 2001, and what it has meant to our nation.

To many of us, 9/11 was also a day marked by American heroism, courage, and unity. In the days that followed, we learned about the bravery of several passengers aboard United Flight 93. Those passengers, under unimaginable duress, confronted the terrorists and valiantly attempted to take back control of the aircraft. Their actions prevented further loss of innocent life.

Much like generations of Americans who lived through the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., or Robert Kennedy—or perhaps the Space Shuttle Challenger accident—the memories of the events of September 11, 2001, will remain with us forever. For our students, future generations, and the history books, the day and its implications for our future will surely remain a predominant theme for years to come.

As we move forward from remembering this day, I hope our entire Saint Mary’s community takes a moment to reflect on the thousands of individuals who lost their lives or had their lives severely altered due to the events of September 11.  I hope we can find solace in the comforting words of Saint John Baptiste de La Salle: “In the light of faith you see things quite differently.”  

Sincerely,

Roger J. Thompson, EdD

President