Elon Remembers
Memorial at Fonville Fountain pays tribute to victims of Sept. 11
By Hannah Williams
Sept. 11, 2008
Elon students gather at Fonville Fountain to remember Sept. 11.
Elon, N.C. – University Chaplain Richard McBride led Elon students, faculty and residents in remembering the events of Sept. 11on the seventh anniversary of the tragedy in front of Fonville Fountain Thursday. The flags flew at half-staff.
McBride recalled events of Sept. 11 on Elon’s campus: The community was gathered around Fonville Fountain for the ritual Tuesday College Coffee. The opening of Rhodes Stadium and the introduction of Elon’s new marching band, the Fire of the Carolinas, called for a festive celebration.
As people in the crowd began to discuss what they had heard, the mood turned somber.
“President Lambert approached the microphone, announced the tragic news,” said McBride. “There would be no celebration that day. Then he turned to me and asked me to offer a prayer.”
Again Thursday, McBride offered a prayer for victims and families, police and firefighters, rescue workers, hijacked plane passengers and survivors of the Sept. 11 tragedies.
“We need to approach it with reverence and continue to seek to understand it,” McBride said. “To understand it with our minds, and also with our hearts.”
Students placed 300 luminaries representing Sept. 11 victims on the lawn in front of Fonville Fountain Thursday.
Commemorators were invited to distribute and light 300 luminaries on the university lawn, each representing ten people who died Sept. 11, 2001.
McBride encouraged people to place the luminaries at random, wherever they felt was right, “because there was chaos that day, bodies fell from the sky in uneven patterns.”
The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the luminaries and the lowering of the American flag.
“Taking thirty minutes out of my day, just for a quick prayer and to show my support for someone who did lose someone, meant a lot,” said student Jay Celin.
Kristin Schulz said she came for unity.
“9/11 is a chance for us all to feel united as a country again and really remember we are all part of one world: humanity. And that that’s what’s important and what we have to remember everyday, not just on 9/11.”
Two Elon students embrace amid the luminaries representing Sept. 11 victims.
Elon officials fold the American flag, after lowering it in tribute of Patriot Day.
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Elon community joined students, faculty and staff in commemorating those who died Sept. 11, 2001.
Students reflect on tragedy amid 300 luminaries, each light representing ten people who died on Sept. 11.
A student relects on the Sept. 11 tragedies, sitting in silent meditation Thursday evening.
