9/11 MEMORIAL SERVICE TO BE HELD AT MxCC’S “MEMORY TREE”

Middlesex Community College will be hosting a memorial service on Thursday, September 8, from 12:15 – 12:35 p.m. to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The public is invited to this event, which carries the theme of “Rebuilding.”

The ceremony will be held at the 9/11 Memory Tree, a mimosa tree located at the gazebo near the upper parking lot on campus that was planted in 2002 to mark the first anniversary of the attacks. At that time, the MxCC community dedicated the tree to honor those who lost their lives, the survivors, and those who work for the healing and safety of others. A plaque is planned for the tree that reads, “Just as rain, sun and soil will nourish this tree, we must nurture peace in our hearts and minds through our words and actions.” At Thursday’s event, a ceremonial wreath will be laid at the Memory Tree, and the community will join in singing “America the Beautiful.”

MxCC President Dr. Anna Wasescha will deliver remarks about this historic date, and the significance to MxCC students, many of whom were in elementary school when the attacks occurred. Professor Christine Ruggerio will read the poem “The Names” by Poet Laureate Billy Collins. This poem was published on the first anniversary of 9/11, and was read by the author on the PBS program, “Online News Hour with Jim Lehrer.” Professor Ruggerio teaches the poem in her creative writing course, and is consistently moved by the powerful words and imagery by the master poet. She even remarks on the physical shape of the poem on the page, which forms a tower.

Joseph Macknicki, IT Technician at MxCC and current chairman of the College Council, organized the event. As a veteran, he welcomed the opportunity to give the MxCC community an opportunity to revisit what happened on 9/11 ten years ago. The ceremony will focus on positive steps for the future, particularly in light of the rebuilding of the Freedom Towers on the World Trade Center site inNew York City.

For more information, contact Daisy Trahan at 860-343-6921.