Sept. 6, 2002
INFORMATION: Sue Bozman or John McElwain, (661) 362-3415 or 3494

Sept. 11 Observance at College of the Canyons

College of the Canyons invites the community to attend a noontime ceremony commemorating the victims of terrorist attacks on America last Sept. 11. The event will be held near the flagpole in the center of campus. The ceremony itself will have no speeches or performances. A carillon (chime) system heard throughout campus will play a variety of dignified and patriotic selections appropriate to the occasion. It will last about 15 minutes.

“This day is an important day of remembrance,” said Phil Hartley, vice president of instruction and student services at the college, “remembrance of those who tragically lost their lives, remembrance of the countless acts of heroism, the incredible courage of our citizens who put the safety of others ahead of their own, and remembrance of the demonstration of the American spirit that did not falter in the face of this infamous act of terrorism.”

Hartley added that the no-speech format was selected because “the impact and meaning of the events of Sept. 11 within the hearts and minds of every individual cannot be accurately captured by any single group of words. We want to provide a quiet time, a time to gather together to remember and reflect.”

The college’s Associated Student Government will have a large-form, blank book available at the ceremony site so that community members, faculty, staff and students may record their thoughts and feelings on this first anniversary of the tragic events. The book itself will be presented to the College of the Canyons Library as a historical archive of the day.

The event will begin promptly at noon with musical selections beginning after the chimes for the noon hour. Campus motorized carts will make runs from parking lots to the Honor Grove to accommodate those who may need assistance in getting to the ceremony. No chairs will be provided, although community members may bring their own if they wish to sit.

For additional information, please call the Public Information Office at (661) 362-3494 or the Associated Student Government at (661) 362-3257.