Rockland Community College 9/11 Remembrance

September 11, 2008

By Cliff L. Wood

September 11th will forever be etched in the consciousness of all Americans, of caring people everywhere, and of all who work or reside in Rockland County. It is a day when we remember the victims of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attack on America. It is a day when we remember our vulnerability, when we reflect with gratitude on all the privileges and all the opportunities given to us as citizens of this great land. And it is a day when we come together, despite any cultural or political differences we may have, to honor the memories and spirits of those who lost their lives that fateful morning in 2001. Workers, students, heroes and victims—innocents all. We mourn their loss and we mourn our loss of them.

They came from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and lifestyles. They were old and young and in-between. They came from Rockland County and from around the world. They represented achievement --and potential, beauty –and hope. They symbolized us—all of us—in their last moments. They gave us strength, unparalleled unity, fierce determination, and unfathomable courage. They will forever be a part of who we are and what we do.

I have asked Rabbi Dov Oliver to begin our commemoration today with the sounding of the Shofar, the ram's horn that is traditionally sounded in the week leading up to the Jewish New Year. The stirring sound of the Shofar inspires reflection and soul-searching. It is a personal and communal wake-up call, reminding each of us of our responsibility to create a brighter future for our world.

Today as we read the names, now sacred in our hearts, we read them not only to remember these victims, these loved ones—but also to remind us all of the work we must individually and collectively do to bring peace and understanding to our world—so that we are truly safe. While we must work to be prepared, the bigger vision is to create a lasting peace as we learn to live together in this world that grows ever smaller.

Now, as we read the names, we will stop periodically and mark the occasion with the sound of a gong. The one we are using was inspired by persons seeking peace and understanding in the world. For, this gong belonged to the parents of Bob Kowles, our Theater Manager at RCC. His dear parents were missionaries in the Far East during the forties and fifties. Hear what Bob says about them and their gong:

"My family was relocated from China to the Philippines in 1949, fleeing the communist takeover of China. My parents were assigned to work within a Muslim tribal group (the Yakan) on the island of Basilan in the southern Philippines. Basilan has been the location (since 9/11) where US military personnel have assisted the Philippine military fighting Al Qaeda linked terrorists. These days it is unsafe for outsiders to visit the island, and several missionaries were kidnapped and held hostage there a couple of years ago."

"Back in the days following World War II," Bob says, "a forward-looking Muslim chieftain (Datu Unding Cuevas), realizing his people were at a severe disadvantage without an education in the modern world, donated property to the mission board for the purpose of building a school to educate the Yakan children." The gong we are using today was originally a gift from the chief to Bob's parents to use as an alarm to summon assistance from their Muslim neighbors should there be an emergency or if they should be in any danger. Bob adds that his parents' relations as Protestant missionaries from the US with their Muslim neighbors could not have been better and they lived for many years in complete safety amongst them.

So, the gong represents our call to one another and to our neighbors; it is a call to our friends and to all who will hear its sound. It is a call to join as one in the striving for peace; it is a summons for unity of purpose, and a cry for acceptance and understanding of all who may be different. In its ringing we remember that every individual is sacred, and special, and that the individuals whose names we read today are a part of us.

Then, when we end our ceremony today, we will hear Taps. Taps is a bugle call created in 1862 as an adaptation of the military bugle call to "Extinguish Lights" or as a signal to end the day. It was adapted by General Adams Butterfield of New York State and his brigade's buglar, Oliver Wilcox Norton. Today the haunting melody is used widely in every branch of service as a symbol of remembrance and honor. Please leave here today with the names of those who were lost on 9/11 etched in our collective hearts, our collective conscience, and may we all commit ourselves to the peace and understanding that will end terrorism and guarantee our children a future that is bright with promise. May the sounds of the Shofar, the Gong, and Taps linger in our hearts as we remember who and what we honor today.

Sept08