Students engage with veterans on anniversary of 9/11

Andrew Cunningham felt honored to kick back with U.S. veterans for the first-ever Sept. 11 Memorial organized by Pitt students and the Southwestern Veterans’ Center.

“It’s one thing to salute before a flag and meditate in prayer for the thanks and well-being of our veterans, and it’s another thing to actually meet them and convey this gratitude,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham, a junior philosophy and history major, said that he was especially touched by a veteran who expressed overwhelming gratitude at how often he is recognized for his time in the military.

In honor of the 12th anniversary of Sept. 11, a group of about 20 students celebrated a memorial event organized by the Student Civic Engagement Council. The council organized the event in cooperation with veterans’ center Volunteer Coordinator John Ayers. The students traveled to the Southwestern Veterans’ Center, located near Highland Park, at 1 p.m. to play games with residents and participate in the memorial service.

Students sat with the veterans as they played bingo, helping them fill their cards as the vets collected a dollar for every win. The memorial service commenced at 2:15 p.m.

“I think everyone shed a few tears when some of the veterans were giving their testimonials,” said Mona Kazour, co-director of the Student Civic Engagement Council.

Rich Adams, commandant of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, welcomed the audience to the posting of the colors, a military tradition. Adams then introduced the Westview VFW 2754 color guard. Gospel singer DeNese Booker performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” adding another note of patriotism to the ceremony.

Cunningham said that he viewed the ceremony as a way to express gratitude to the veterans on behalf of a larger community.

“I wanted to honor them by being there, to show them that Pitt, the community and Americans everywhere are blessed to have such heroes,” said Cunningham.

Dylan Nestor, a junior chemical engineering major at Pitt, said that he attended the event to honor the victims of Sept. 11.

After hours of swapping stories with the veterans, students indulged in desserts at the conclusion of the service. 

“It was the first time the site had done anything to remember 9/11,” Kazour said. “Maybe it’ll be a tradition for the future.”