Sept. 11, 2002

Good Morning … and thank you for joining us.

It`s hard to believe that it`s been one year since last September 11th. None of us will ever forget what we were doing that morning … the sudden horror that washed over us as we stood aghast watching that day`s events … the pain we shared with millions of our fellow citizens at such a staggering loss of life … and the sadness and sudden vulnerability we felt for ourselves and our nation.

In these past 365 days, we have all heard over and over how "our world has changed." But unlike other catch phrases of recent years, this time our world really has changed.

For one, the events of last September 11th really brought home to us how connected we are to each other and how important we can be to one another. We learned this lesson even as the horrors of last September 11th unfolded … we saw strangers reach out to help strangers, we learned of supreme acts of courage and sacrifice, and we witnessed the power of the human spirit raise itself up out of the ashes to stand tall, proud, and unyielding in the face of the most horrible adversity.

The other lesson we learned from September 11th is that each of us - in our own homes, in our state, and in our nation - have been challenged to re-think how precious it truly is to be blessed with "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" here in this great country of ours. Even as we may no longer take for granted the security and freedoms we have always known, deep down we are today filled with a deep sense of pride and a myriad of powerful emotions when we see these Stars & Stripes flying.

Now, it is time to collectively pause to remember and pay our respects to the 3,000 people who lost their lives one year ago in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania. These 3,000 people were office workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, members of the clergy, Wall Street traders, secretaries, CEO`s, restaurant workers, soldiers, military personnel, airline passengers, pilots and flight attendants, and hundreds of other occupations. But most important of all, we pause today to remember them because they were someone`s mother … someone`s father … someone`s wife … someone`s husband … someone`s daughter … someone`s son … someone`s grandparent … someone`s neighbor … someone`s friend … They were innocent American citizens we will always remember.

Please stand in silence while Jennifer McInturff sings The Star Spangled Banner. At the conclusion of the National Anthem, please remain standing in silence while the flag is lowered to half-staff. You`ll see that proper half-mast flag etiquette requires the flag first be lowered, then raised, then again lowered to half-staff … where it will remain the rest of today. When the flag comes to rest at half-mast the second time, the time should be right at 8:46 … the time when the first plane hit the first tower. We will then have a full minute of silence that we will observe here, and throughout Seminole Community College, in remembrance of the thousands of innocent lives lost one year ago this morning.

Jennifer McInturff sings the National Anthem

Flag is lowered to half-mast.

8:46 a.m. - Minute of silence.

Intro SGA rep (Erin Schroeder) to lead all in the Pledge of Allegiance

SGA rep comes up to lead the Pledge

CLOSING REMARKS

A moment ago, millions of our fellow citizens around our country stood with us in a minute of silence. And throughout the rest of today, the remembrances will continue. If you feel like stopping for a moment to observe the nationally televised ceremonies, throughout the rest of the day we will have televisions on in the Board Room, in the Student Center, and in the Library Concourse.

Intro Jennifer again to sing God Bless America. "She will sing this beautiful song first by herself, and then we ask that you all join in singing with her for a second round."

But before we disperse this morning, let us strive to remember. Remember the sad events of September 11, 2001 … but also remember that out of the darkest moments in our lives can come brilliant illuminations of faith, hope, and love. We are a resilient people … so let us be undaunted by tragedy, and move forward together for the greater good of our citizens and our entire county.

May God bless you and your loved ones … today and always. And may God bless America.

Jennifer sings "God Bless America"

Crowd joins in for second round of "God Bless America"

Bagpiper plays "Amazing Grace"

Did you know?

SCC is just 45 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and its world famous beaches.