MCC Students Plan Ceremony to Remember Victims of 9/11 Attacks
September 1, 2023
WHAT: Monroe Community College will hold a September 11 Remembrance Ceremony, featuring keynote speaker Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.
The ceremony memorializes victims of the attacks on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11.
Also delivering remarks will be:
- MCC President DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Ph.D.;
- Joseph Leichtner, MCC Student Government Association president and a business administration major;
- Mark Maddalina, a sustainable design director at SWBR. He served as the lead designer of the monument and has returned to the campus annually to speak and mark the 9/11 anniversary.
WHERE: September 11th Remembrance Ceremony, outside The Pamela Ann Chesonis (PAC) Center, on MCC’s Brighton Campus, 1000 E. Henrietta Road; parking is provided in lot G. Inclement weather venue: Stabins Physical Education Complex gymnasium, adjacent to lot G. Media with vehicles carrying satellite receivers to broadcast live are asked to park on the side, near the athletic field, in lot G.
WHEN: 8–9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11.
DETAILS: Sponsored by the MCC Student Government Association, the event is free and open to the public.
Facts about the September 11th Remembrance monument and ceremony
- In 2002, the memorial was erected as a result of early efforts of several MCC student leaders, who quickly drew the support of other students, administrators including then-President Flynn, and local businesses.
- The effort to design, build and dedicate a place of remembrance was driven by a desire to create a distinct place for reflection and healing within the community. MCC students annually organize this remembrance ceremony.
- The memorial stands at 8 feet and 4 inches high and weighs over six tons. The inscription on the plaque reads: “Our heroes are always in our hearts. In one morning our world changed forever. Let us honor the sacrifices of September 11, 2001 by living our lives in freedom.”
- At 8:45 a.m. every Sept. 11, the sun aligns with the monument, a sundial, casting a shadow that bears a likeness to the Twin Towers that once stood.
- A moment of silence is observed at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane hit the north tower in New York City.