September 11, 2020

Dear UD Community,

Nineteen years have passed since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, yet most of us can vividly recall the heart-wrenching images, emotions and memories of this horrific event. Whatever our personal connection to 9/11, it is important that we share in a collective remembrance of not only the lives lost or altered that day, but also the courage demonstrated by so many and the determination of our entire society to protect the freedoms and principles we hold dear.

Today, flags on the University of Delaware campuses will be flown at half-staff. Four times this morning — at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m. and 10:03 a.m., each marking the moment one of the planes crashed — the Carillon on campus will toll 19 times in recognition of the 19 years since the attack. While we cannot be together on campus to commemorate Patriot Day this year, please set aside a few moments today for silent reflection on how our society can honor the bravery and sacrifice of so many people and continue to move toward a better world.

The anniversary of 9/11 is also a time for us to be grateful for the enduring power of our shared humanity, as well as the values that unite us as a community at the University of Delaware. The resilient character and commitment to each other that have carried UD through challenging moments in our nation’s history in years past continue to be essential, now more than ever. Amid a global pandemic and ongoing societal challenges to embrace civility and find hope, I know we will overcome and emerge stronger than we have ever been before.

So, on this important day of remembrance and reflection, let us recommit ourselves to each do our part to create a world that is more peaceful, more compassionate and more just.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis President