Pitt Observes 9/11 Anniversary with Events throughout the Day University community invited to place 3,041 flags on Cathedral of Learning lawn

September 5, 2002

PITTSBURGH––Next Wednesday, the University of Pittsburgh will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, with a day of activities that includes a public address by Chancellor Mark A, Nordenberg, a flag-placing ceremony on the Cathedral of Learning lawn, continuous showings of the HBO film "In Memoriam" in the William Pitt Student Union (WPU), and an interfaith/ nondenominational service in Heinz Memorial Chapel.

"The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, deeply affected every American, including those who study, teach, or work at the University of Pittsburgh," says Chancellor Nordenberg. "As with other critical moments in our nation's history, it is important that we remember 9/11 and not only those who perished, but also those who did whatever they could to help ease the suffering of others. And by remembering, we can remain committed to doing whatever we can to change the world so that such a tragedy never happens again."

The day's events begin at 8:30 a.m. with the sounds of a lone bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace" and a soloist singing "America the Beautiful" on the Cathedral of Learning lawn in front of Heinz Memorial Chapel. The ROTC Flag Detail will raise the flag at the Cathedral to half-staff.

At 8:46 a.m., the time one year ago that American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center (WTC), the campus community will join the rest of the nation and observe a moment of silence. Chancellor Nordenberg will briefly reflect on the meaning of the day; he will then lead members of the University of Pittsburgh administration in placing small American flags on the Cathedral lawn. Additional flags will be available at Heinz Memorial Chapel for anyone wishing to add one to the memorial. A total of 3,041 flags will be available to commemorate all the lives lost in the 9/11/01 attacks. Members of the University community are invited to place flags on the lawn so that by 10:29 a.m. all 3,041 flags will have been placed.

Heinz Memorial Chapel will open at 9:03 a.m.—the time United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the WTC South Tower a year earlier—and remain open until midnight for anyone wishing to spend time in quiet reflection. Chaplains will be available in Heinz Memorial Chapel throughout the day, and the regularly scheduled Catholic Mass will be held at noon.

At 9:30 a.m., the Chaplains Association will hold an interfaith service open to all members of the Pitt and local communities.

At 9:43 a.m., coinciding with the time American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon, an exhibit of newspaper articles on the attacks will be on display in the Conney M. Kimbo Gallery on the WPU first floor. The exhibit, titled "September 11—A Remembrance," has been compiled by the Pitt Program Council and will remain on display through Sept. 14. In addition, individuals will have the opportunity to write their "Expressions of Hope" in special cards sponsored by the Pitt Red Cross. The cards, intended for families of 9/11/01 victims, men or women currently serving overseas in the fight against terrorism, or as general tributes to the 9/11/01 anniversary, will be mailed after the anniversary event.

The gospel choir Some of God's Children will perform a selection of gospel songs in Heinz Memorial Chapel at 10:05 a.m., the time the WTC South Tower collapsed.

The first showing of HBO's "In Memoriam" will begin at 10:10 a.m., the timing thoughts and recollections of the Pitt community—to Chancellor Nordenberg, Senate Acting Vice President Thomas Metzger, and University Librarian and Director of the University Library System Rush Miller. The collection will be bound and permanently placed in the University Archives.

At 5 p.m., the ROTC flag detail will lower the flag at the Cathedral of Learning. Between 5 and 6 p.m., members of the Pitt and local communities who wish a remembrance of the day are invited to take flags from the lawn.

The day's events will conclude at 7 p.m. with a program in Heinz Memorial Chapel that pays tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11/01 and to those who participated in rescue and recovery operations. The 45-minute program will include music and readings. The chapel windows will be illuminated at dusk and remain lit until the chapel closes at midnight. Luminaries—a total of 911—will be displayed on the Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union lawns and will burn throughout the night.

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