September 9, 2022

Dear UD Community,

This year marks the 21^st anniversary of the September 11^th terrorist attacks. The assault on our nation also targeted our cherished values of freedom, democracy, diversity and global citizenship. Indeed, these are the same values that the University of Delaware continues to hold dear, and advancing those ideals is just as vital and relevant today as it was in 2001.

Like many of you, I can vividly recall every moment of that day — feeling the widespread fear that swept the nation, grappling with the terrible loss of nearly 3,000 people, witnessing the bravery and heroism of countless first responders and bystanders who stepped into action to help. It is also important to realize, however, that many others in the UD community were not yet alive or old enough to remember the horrors of 9/11 and must learn about it through images and stories from that time. Regardless, September 11^th forever changed the world for all of us.

Our community will commemorate the anniversary in several ways. At 9 a.m. today, the University will join the City of Newark in a Patriot Day ceremony in Olan Thomas Park near campus. On Sunday, flags on the University of Delaware campuses will be flown at half-staff in memory of those who died. Also on Sunday, the UD Carillon will toll at four times: 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m. and 10:03 a.m., each marking the moment one of the airplanes crashed.

On this anniversary of September 11^th, please join me in taking the time to remember or learn about the events of that day, reflect on the ongoing impact of 9/11 on our society now and renew our commitment to living out our shared values as we build a more peaceful world for future generations.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis President