Rutgers–Newark Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with Ceremony and Acts of Service

On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which destroyed the iconic Twin Towers, the Rutgers University–Newark community gathered to remember that day and honor the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost.

Participants bowed their heads to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 and 9:03, the exact times when each tower was hit. The names of 37 victims from Rutgers were read aloud. Eleven were Rutgers-Newark alumni.

“Whether you lived through that day, whether you read about it in history books, whether you're on the land of the United States or abroad, we share that common strength to rise above adversity and take care of our neighbors when they face struggle,” said RUPD Lt. Jamie Hendrix.

Hendrix encouraged those at the ceremony to focus on supporting others. This year, the acts of service opportunities were expanded from a tabling event following the ceremony to two weeks of activities ending September 18.

Participants can volunteer on community cleanup day, work at the food pantry farmer’s market, register to vote, and join other efforts.

Speakers at the event focused on themes of service, compassion, remembrance and unity.

Paul Lazaro, Assistant Director of the Office of Veteran and Military Programs, noted that in the one-year period following 9/11, more than 250,000 people enlisted in the U.S. military, including himself.

He urged the next generation to find ways of serving others as a way of honoring the spirit of compassion that became a unifier for so many in the weeks following the attack.

“Your service does not have to be in a military uniform, but it will be no less impactful. Serve your families, serve your neighbors, your communities, serve this country. Please, to the rising generation, answer that call and serve,” he said.

The event included a posting of colors by Junior ROTC members of Central High School and Barringer High School.

Rutgers–Newark Chief of Staff Amy Díaz recognized young people at the event who were born after 9/11.

“It is a responsibility to remind everyone of the feeling and the promise that was made 25 years ago,” she said. “We, as a united nation, promised to never forget, and today, we remember the loss, the sacrifice, the countless acts of bravery, the compassion and the resilience that we carry forward,” she said.

Daniel Cortez, president of the Student Governing Association, was among those who weren’t born when 9/11 occurred.

“There was no before, only after. And following that day, our generation was taught about the horrific consequences of the loss of life and the destroyed buildings and subsequent war,” he said.

“Now, years later, as a political science student, we learn about the intricacies of power dynamics, and how politics have forever changed since,” said Cortez.

“But when you look past the conversations of freedom versus security or the ongoing global power struggles, you see something that we often forget in our daily lives,” he added. “Humanity was not built on hate and division. It’s built on love, community, and strength.”

RUPD Chief Carmelo "John" Huertas focused on the heroism of first responders.

“They ran toward danger, while others were trying to get away from it. What they did was extraordinary. But there is another lesson in their courage,” he said.

“On September 11, first responders showed us what it means to put the well-being of others ahead of ourselves. But service doesn't require running into a burning building or placing yourself in danger,” said Huertas. “Sometimes, service is quieter. It is helping a classmate who is struggling, helping someone who is having a difficult day, standing up when you see someone being treated unfairly.”