SUNY Potsdam to Host Memorial Service 10 Years after 9/11

POTSDAM, NY (09/02/2011)(readMedia)-- The State University of New York at Potsdam invites members of the community to join in a remembrance of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, 10 years after they shook the nation.

SUNY Potsdam will host a memorial service beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11 in Flagg Hall, at the "New York Remembers" 9/11 exhibit on display there.

The College will toll the bells in the clock tower of Satterlee Hall four times that morning -- at 8:46, 9:02, 9:37 and 10:03 a.m. -- to mark the moments when the four hijacked flights crashed, at the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Penn. There will be moments of silence to mark the losses.

Crane School of Music Dean Michael Sitton will lead the service, and music will be presented by Crane faculty members Michael Schaff and Douglas and Jill Rubio.

Donald McNutt, an associate professor of English and communication, will present two readings of poetry, including "In the Same Space" by Mark Doty and "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" by Walt Whitman. Jay Pecora, an assistant professor of theatre and dance, will also speak.

Finally, Victoria Levitt, an assistant professor of English and communication, will invite those who attend to walk the Potsdam Labyrinth in honor of those who passed.

The Potsdam Labyrinth was created and donated to the college by the SUNY Potsdam Counseling Center in the fall semester of 2002. In response to the 9/11 attacks, SUNY Potsdam initiated a program to honor both our campus' and our nation's loss, and the courage shown in the face of terrorism by all Americans. The labyrinth was the centerpiece of this program.

The labyrinth is based on the same design as was used for the ancient path in the Chartres Cathedral in France, which was built in the Middle Ages. Since its unveiling, the labyrinth has been used by various professors, departments and campus organizations as a meditative instrument. Walking its path is a contemplative experience like no other.

This event is free, and the public is invited to attend.

First responders such as police officers, firefighters and rescue squad personnel are invited to wear their dress uniforms if they so choose, to remember their kindred heroes who died while saving lives on September 11, 2001. In addition, members of the military are also welcome to wear their uniforms if they so choose, to honor the many soldiers and civilians alike who have been lost in the wars that have been waged since that world-changing day.

The "New York Remembers" exhibition recognizing the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks is already on display.

An aircraft fragment from one of the planes that hit the World Trade Center in New York City is on display along with informational panels. The fragment is likely part of an engine turbine from either United Airlines Flight 175 or American Airlines Flight 11, which was found at Ground Zero after the Twin Towers went down. The fragment is still considered potential criminal evidence and is marked with an FBI case number.

In addition, there are several informational panels with a timeline of the 9/11 attacks, and remembrances about it. Governor Andrew Cuomo, along with the New York State Museum and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum announced that 30 "New York Remembers" exhibits would take place through the state to give New Yorkers a place to remember the victims of 9/11 and honor the countless heroes who came from all corners of the state to help in the clean-up and recovery efforts.

The SUNY Potsdam "New York Remembers" exhibit is on display in Flagg Hall. Anyone who would like to visit it is welcome. Parking is available in Lots 1 and 2 off Potsdam Drive. To get to Flagg Hall, park in those lots and cross underneath the archway and enter the first door on your right; the display should be right in front of you.

Because classes are back in session, campus is busy and these parking lots are often full during peak hours. Therefore, weekday visitors are urged to either walk to campus or visit the exhibit before 9 a.m., or between 3 and 9 p.m., from Monday to Friday. The hall will also be open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there should be no problems with parking at this time.

If you have any questions about the memorial service or visiting the "New York Remembers" exhibit at SUNY Potsdam, please call Carol Rourke at (315) 267-2100. To find a campus map, visit www.potsdam.edu/about/visit/maps.cfm.

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Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,350 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts.

-www.potsdam.edu-