Moment of Silence Strikes a chord at LSC

Blurb: Around sixty students, faculty, and staff gathered in the student center to commemorate the tragedy of 9/11.

Section: Campus News
9/1208

By Eric Downing
Critic Staff

On Thursday, Lyndon State College held a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragedy of September 11, 2001, marking its seven-year anniversary. The event was conducted in the student center and was attended by roughly 60 faculty, staff, and students of LSC. Some people had to stand, as just about every seat was filled.
The event was preceded by some Jazz music performed by Chris Arsenault, Bill Moulton, Mike Olmstead, and Iain Brown. They performed a jam on the student center's stage, ushering in attendees to the event. Music filled the room as students took their seats.
Just before 12:30 p.m., President Carol Moore went up to the stage to speak. She recounted how she remembered watching the news footage of 9/11 seven years ago in the student center. She spoke of the impact the tragedy had on our nation, but ended on a lighter note. “Let's celebrate the hope for the future,” she said.
Next, Dr. Moore called up George Hacking, Director of Public Safety. Hacking had some words to share about that fateful day as well. He spoke of the death of victims being counteracted by the births of heroes. Hacking also reminded the audience how firefighters rushing on to the scene became additional victims. “Personal loss happens to all of us,” Hacking said. “9/11 was personal to many,” he continued. He wrapped up by saying, “I don't believe anyone can tell you how to feel about this day.”
Donna Dalton, Dean of Academic and Student Affairs stood up and said, “I ask you now to bow your heads in a moment of silence.” The room dropped to dead silence, the only noise being the rattling of cooking utensils and workers' voices from the Snack Bar next door. After a few moments, the silence was broken by the deep, mystical intonation of LSC professor Beth Norris's hand bell.
After a few moments, the room was filled again with music as LSC student Lindsay Johnson led the audience in singing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
The LSC Jazz ensemble once again took the stage and played a piece put together by student Chris Arsenault. The song they played was a melodic merging of The Beatles' “Let it Be” and Sarah McLachlan's “I Will Remember You.” Arsenault, who played the piano, had a special reason for arranging the piece for this event. “From myself, that was a personal dedication to a friend that died in the first plane,” he said.
Vocals were performed by Iain Brown and Casey Bonilla with back-up by Matt Paul.