Thomas Jefferson once said, "information is the currency of democracy." Members of Students Defending Democracy kept this quote in mind as they prepared for the sixth anniversary of September 11.
In remembrance of the tragedy, Students Defending Demcoracy, an organization that promotes an understanding of the threats facing democracy and steps to be taken to overcome them, hosted several events that allowed students, faculty and friends to gather and pay respects to those who lost their lives.
Fourth-year college student Marie Cohen and third-year college student Gary Lawkowski organized the ceremonies that were held during the morning and afternoon of Sept. 11 in the Amphitheater.
The morning memorial service was held at 8:45. Cohen said the time was significant because that was the time when the first of the twin towers was struck six years ago.At the beginning of the ceremony, a member of the Air Force sang the National Anthem. Rev. Edward Hopkins led a prayer, and delegate Rob Bell, R-Albemarle County, shared remarks.
The Hullabahoos opened the commemoration ceremony, held later in the day, followed by a salute of the Navy ROTC color guard. Interim Dean of Students Allen Groves spoke about the few defining events that put life into perspective and challenge people to appreciate all they have.
"Events like this cause us to have two reactions, to be cynical, which is the wrong reaction, or to really appreciate life," Groves said. "What I hope we do after 9/11 is celebrate the lives lost, but also value the lives we have."
Groves also emphasized the importance of America in creating unity and peace.
"We are a beacon to the world, in good times and bad," Groves said. "We have something tremendously special, and we need to remember that."
Coast Guard Reservist and former NYPD member Kenneth Schnetzler then discussed his experiences on Sept. 11 and offered inspirational words about the future.
"9/11 is a snapshot that will always stay in our minds," Schnetzler said. "Live your life, enjoy things and don't take too many things for granted. [You have the] freedom to come here and learn to debate democracy, it's corny, but it really is a great country."
The final speaker, Faisal Gill, was formerly on the Associate Council in the Office of Homeland Security for the White House. He discussed safety concerns in the post-9/11 world.
"I had no idea, I don't think anybody did, about the impact of 9/11," Gill said. "There are two worlds; there was a pre-9/11 and a post-9/11. We do need to act differently, to take things more seriously."
Gill focused on the question of personal privacy, which has plagued the government and the people since Sept. 11.
"The biggest challenge we face after 9/11 is how much freedom are we willing to give up for security," Gill said. "How do we face those challenges?"
Gill emphasized that he cares most about the safety of his family, friends and country. Outside of party lines, safety is what matters most, he said, adding that his message can easily be forgotten as people grow impatient in the airport lines.
Schnetzler also advised that members of the public should increase their awareness of their surroundings in order to protect themselves.
"Be vigilant, if you see something alarming, say something." Snhnetzler said. "We just need to be alert. We can't live in fear. If we did, this wouldn't be the good country it is."
Gill included in his remarks a commentary on the significance of students in the development, understanding and support of democracy.
"You guys are in the best place to debate these issues," Gill said. "I would encourage you to debate them. Put yourself in the place of the person who is responsible for your safety."
Cohen said she was happy with both of the ceremonies.
"We were pleased with the speakers," Cohen said. "The year after 9/11, the Amphitheater would have been overflowing, but we were still really glad to see that there were people who still wanted to remember this day, and to share it with their community at U.Va"