This year marks the 19th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. Even as we find ourselves in a distance-learning environment, the John Jay College community still found a way to come together and honor the lives lost on 9/11 through a virtual remembrance ceremony.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people died, including 67 members of our John Jay College family. In their honor, standing in John Jay’s Memorial Hall, a twisted steel beam that once supported one of the World Trade Center towers sits in a circle of granite with our fallen heroes’ names etched on the surface. “The 67 community members that were lost on September 11, were just like us in many ways. They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters who were all committed to serving others,” said President Karol V. Mason, reflecting on their lives. “Our world was irrevocably changed the day we lost them, and the impact of their service will forever be etched in our memory.”

In total, 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 police officers, and 37 Port Authority officers died on 9/11 as a result of the attacks at the World Trade Center site. “Our first responders paid a heavy price on September 11 as they saved countless lives. As a community we will continue to applaud their service and draw from the strength of their bravery,” said Mason. The event’s program included a number of tributes including the ceremonial reading of the names of the 67 John Jay family members lost that day, poems, music, reflections, and remarks from John Jay students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

Learning About 9/11
For many current John Jay students, like Leanna Wells ’22, Katelynn Seodarsan ’23, and Tzvia Waronker ’23,  the 9/11 tragedy may not be a lived memory, but its impact is something they learned about in school and at home.

“I remember first learning about 9/11 when I was in elementary school. We took a moment of silence to commemorate the people that passed. When I went home, I asked my parents about it and they explained what happened that day,” said Wells. “An event like 9/11 makes you realize that life is so precious and the ones you love can be taken away from you in an instant. Tell your people how much you love them and what they mean to you now, while you have the chance.”

Seodarsan attended Raymond York Elementary School, which was named after a firefighter who lost his life responding to the disaster. “The firehouse that he belonged to was located right behind our school building. Initially when I found out about 9/11, I was really sad thinking about what it was like for the people in the surrounding area who lost their lives,” said Seodarsan. “I was only a year old when the attack happened, however it’s made me appreciate all of the brave men and women who protect us every day. If we don’t remember our past, it is bound to repeat itself. If we continue to remember 9/11, it gives us a reminder that your life can change in an instant.” After she graduates, Seodarsan hopes to work at a non-profit agency that helps people who have experienced trauma like 9/11.

For Waronker, her understanding of 9/11 comes from the memories and stories of her family and friends. Her father took her to the 9/11 memorial when she was a young child, and her mother, who was working near the towers when it happened, explained to her what it was like being on the ground that day. “She remembered the smoke, the sirens, and the stampede of people trying to go somewhere safe,” said Waronker. “Afterward she said that there were long lines of people rushing to donate blood.” Recently, Waronker went to a memorial service at the Hillel Club and was struck by a powerful story. A father told the group about his daughter, Marina Romanovna Gertsberg, who was killed that day. “He told us her life story and the importance of remembering. He said that we remember not to keep the past alive, but to carry them into the future,” said Waronker.

“Going to the memorial there’s so many names, and it’s easy to just see them as that, but it’s so important to remember that each of those names were living souls. The average age of those who died in the Twin Towers ranged from 35-39 years old. They were so young and had so much more life to live. Thinking about the people who didn’t get to finish their life, who didn’t get to accomplish their dreams, reminds me of all the things I have to live for. It reminds me that life is a blessing. It can be painful, boring, exhausting, and sad, but it’s also exciting, joyous, and beautiful.”

Performing Acts of Kindness
Remembering the outpouring of support and compassion that occurred in the aftermath of the attacks, the John Jay community is collectively reaffirming our commitment to public service and further observing the 9/11 anniversary through the #jjcacts I Pledge campaign. During this campaign, John Jay students, faculty, staff, and friends will pledge to perform a good deed, community service, or an act of justice to honor those lost on 9/11. The hope is that our continued engagement within our communities and our commitment to public service will help improve our world. “It’s within our darkest days that we truly discover our strength, our unity, and a light that can never be dimmed,” said Mason. “After September 11, within our community and throughout the entire City, there was light and there was love.” Let’s do our part to continue to spread that light, love, and kindness.

Watch the Virtual Tribute Ceremony

Learn more about John Jay’s 9/11 Memorial

Join #JJC I Pledge campaign