Crystal Shelwood
Blue & White Flash /Staff Writer
Most Jackson State University employees and students probably remember where they were 11 years ago when the most horrific terrorist attack in history occurred. On Tuesday, JSU honored 9/11 first responders during a prayer breakfast held in the Student Center on the 11th anniversary of the tragedy.
On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Often referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction, triggering major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism. More than 3,000 people were killed during the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., including more than 400 police officers and firefighters.
“America responded with an outpouring of its national unity, America responded with prayer,” said Sean Perkins, Chief of Staff for the City of Jackson Mayor’s office. “America responded united as one nation under God, indivisible. On Sept. 11 and on the days and weeks that followed, we watched as our citizens worked to reclaim their lives.”
He added: “We watched as firefighters and police officers and others coordinated the pain-staking work of sifting through the rubble around them. We watched day in and day out with bated breaths and hopeful hearts as rescue efforts led way to even more startling, heartbreaking realities of this tragedy.”
David Meyer, a freshman undecided major from Wisconsin said, “It’s crazy to think it’s been 11 years. I was in the 5th grade when it happened. It’s such a surreal thing. It’s definitely a day when we should take and remember those that have passed and remember those that are still serving. It is crazy to think how the world has changed. We see it when we go to the airport or sporting event. You saw a lot of people bond together, even though you really do not see it now. My best friend’s dad joined the military after it happened.”
Other program participants, who included Jackson Fire Chief Raymond McNulty and Jim Pollard with AMR, reflected on what they were doing that fateful day.
Chief Rebecca Coleman of the Jackson Police Department, who served as Chief of Public Safety at JSU on 9/11 said, “Everybody remembers that
particular day. I was at home getting ready to come to work when it came on the television. Everybody stood and took pause to what was happening on that day. After coming to work, everyone was gathered around the television to keep up with what was going on.”
She added: “It was one of those engagements where people in law enforcement had the opportunity to see the nation, the United States, come together for a common cause. It was sobering. I will never forget that day.”
Timothy Abram, Director of the JSU Veterans Center believes that America learned many lessons from 9/11.
“We are safer now, more than we were in 2001, because of three things,” said Abram. “Number one: this was an awareness and a wake-up call to make sure we are vigilant on our enemies. Number two: this was awareness and a wake-up call to make sure our security gets the proper rest and sleep and to make sure they have the proper training. And three, this was a wake up call to make sure we understand the culture of other ethnic groups so we can always respect them both foreign and domestic.”
Tanya Rodgers, a Jackson, Miss. resident who has a daughter who attends JSU, agrees with Abram.
“I feel much safer since my son went into the Navy. I read more into it, and study more into it. The land of security is stronger,” said Rodgers. “My son wanted to make sure that we are safe over here by guarding the water. I was immediately affected by it, I cried and now I try to block out what happened. I always think of the ones who lost their lives on 9/11, but I try not to dwell on it.”
Sgt. Robert Richard, with JSU Public Safety added: “We are safer now because we have a lot more regulations in place to screen those who try to harms us.”
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