Lake Superior State University (LSSU) hosted a heartfelt ceremony this morning on campus, at Pleger Commons, to mark the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The event paid tribute to the lives lost and acknowledged the courage and dedication of first responders and service members who played a critical role during that tragic day.
The ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff, and members of the community for a moment of reflection. Special recognition was given to first responders and those who are active, reserve, or former service members, highlighting the university’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served our country.
Local government officials, service members, law enforcement officers, and firefighters were present, adding to the ceremony’s significance and emphasizing the collective effort to remember and support those on the front lines.
Michael Beazley, Dean of Student Affairs, has been at LSSU for five years now.
"This is one day I look forward to. I wish it was for better reasons since it comes with a very heavy memory of recalling what happened that day. It never gets old in my estimation and it's one of the events in the lifespan of a generation, or multiple generations that gets recalled every year," Beazley said.
As for the students on campus, who were not even born yet when the attacks occurred, Beazley said it's important to educate them about history such as this.
"It's hard to know whether they have a full grasp of how much of an effect it had on our country at that time, but to be certain that we are bringing it forward each year for this occasion, shows that it is a strong demonstration that it really does matter, it did matter, and still matters. We have by the stone 'Never Forget' and we really will not forget. The day that we let this event fall out of memory will be a very very sad day," Beazley added.
LSSU nursing student Matthew Zabik was four years old when the terrorist attacks occurred.
"Unfortunately I don't have a great memory of it but I do remember the month before it happened. I was in New York City with my family and seeing the Twin Towers and the Statue of Liberty. I have a picture on my phone of of me and my family with the World Trade Center behind us. This ceremony is special for me because it honors and respects the loss of lives on that day. We should come together as a country and not be divided as a country," Zabik said.
LSSU Fire Science student Joseph DiJanni was not even born yet when the attacks happened.
DiJanni's father was a first responder and his grandfather fought in Vietnam. Growing up he asked questions about September 11 and also did his own research on that day.
His choice to become a first responder was a no-brainer.
"Seeing the videos of 9/11....seeing their jump to action and their drive to do a job and complete a job kind of really resembles what a lot of first responders, just not me personally, where we are here for the same reason. We are all here to help people," DiJanni said.
Dr. David Travis was one of the three who spoke to those in attendance.
“It was important to come together with our community to honor the bravery of our veterans and first responders. We are committed to supporting those who have served and continue to serve our nation," Dr. Travis said.
The university also put nearly 3,000 American flags along sidewalks on campus.
