As we approach the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we are reminded of the tragic events of that terrible day, and we mourn the many individuals who died that morning.
At 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2003, all members of the Harvard community are invited to pause as the bells of Memorial Church toll. I hope that each of us will take this moment of remembrance to honor those who lost their lives, to salute the public servants and private citizens who responded with humanity and resolve, to find strength and comfort in each other’s company, and to renew our commitment to a just and peaceful world.
Observances around the University:
Harvard Business School
Bells will toll at 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2003, followed by one minute of silence at 8:46.
Harvard Graduate School of Education
The school invites people to stand together for 15 minutes of silence on Sept. 11, 2003, from 9-9:15 a.m. in Radcliffe Yard.
United Ministry
At noon on Sept. 11, 2003, a multi-faith group of students, in cooperation with the Harvard United Ministry, will present a service of sacred texts and meditations in memory of the victims of the attacks of September 11. The theme of our observance is “From Pain to Hope and from Hope to Active Engagement.” This service will be exclusively student led and will include readers from numerous faith traditions. We will gather at noon in Sever Commons and conclude the formal program at 12:30. Those who wish to remain are invited to participate in discussions on the evolving meaning of September 11 in our lives and ways to move forward in building a better world, enriching our relationships with other cultures, improving the lot of those less fortunate, and resolving to counter all forms of hatred and strife.
Memorial Church
The Memorial Church will mark the anniversary of the tragedy of September 11 at its service of Compline, or evening vespers, an ancient monastic service offered to all members of the Harvard Community in Appleton Chapel at 10 p.m. on the first Thursdays of months in Term. The Choral Fellows of the University Choir will sing this service. The major work will be “Canticle: Mosaic in Remembrance and Hope,” composed by Carson P. Cooman ’04 and premiered last year at the University-wide observance of the first anniversary of September 11.