9:59a.m. -A Time to Remember

9/11 Memorial in New York, Photo by www.911memorial.org

By Aisha McAdams 

Until 14 years ago, 9:59 had no significance.  It was the minute before a new hour, a fragment of time.  This changed on Sept. 11 2001 when at 9:59 a plane, piloted by terrorists, hit the South Tower. 

Late Friday morning, four students sat silently in an empty Chapel to participate in the moment of silence at Stonehill College.  Fewer individuals than the line at Dunkin’ Donuts sat to reflect, pray, and mourn about the tragedy that took place 14 years ago. 

This poses the question, the day America pledged to “never forget” actually becoming forgotten?   

Jeremy Antivo, student-athlete at American International College, was eight in 2001 and lived in Rahway, New Jersey. 

 “It’s always going to be there but it isn’t a fresh wound anymore,” Antivo said.   

 “We won’t ever forget where we were on this infamous day, nor will we ever forget all of the profoundly great people who lost their lives but we cannot let it consume us,” he said.  

Sept. 11 was different for many because it did not hit close to home for everyone. 

Daniel McAdams, 37, moved to New York three months before to the attack.  Working for the recruiting firm Concept and Staffing at the time, McAdams was sitting at his desk working that day. 

“We all went outside for a cigarette break and could see the hole in the side of the tower.  We had a recruiter interviewing college candidates that morning at 9,” said McAdams.  

The next McAdams remembered was his colleague back in the office covered in ashes, having had run 50 blocks to tell them he was okay. 

“I remember coming downtown after work two days following the attack. The train made a stop at Fulton Street which was still shut down, but the doors still opened. I will never forget the smell of the decomposing bodies that rushed in to the car and how upset people had gotten.” 

McAdams, who still lives in New York City, said that no one has forgotten that day. However, he said if he didn’t live in the city at the time, he wouldn’t be as emotional about it. 

On that day, people from all over the world came to help as first responders.  Rev. Susan Sullivan, a chaplain at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, was one of the first responders after the attack.   

Rev. Sullivan shared her memories at the event 100 Voices for Peace Many Faiths One Deserve Friday evening in the Chapel of Mary. 

Unlike the moment of silence held earlier in the day, the chapel filled quickly with numbers reaching over 50.  

The memorial began with a sing-along to John Lennon’s Imagine following with Paul McCartney’s Let it Be.   

Only about seven singers were part of the chorus while the rest were strangers who all joined together for one reason; to celebrate peace.  The chapel filled with dulcet sounds, leaving many eyes brimming with tears.  

Shortly after the chorus, Sullivan shared memories of her experience as a first responder.  She referred to herself and the others she met during this time as sisters and brothers in America.  

Sullivan described the bond formed there as incomparable to any other experience she has had.  

 “We could walk around the entire circumference of that area and talk to anyone.  No matter what background, we walked freely and openly.” 

She said her experience showed there was still humanity in the world. “It was a time to remember, a sad time, but that’s what brought us together,” Sullivan said. 

 “In request for peace we do not have to look for fault but we must remind people of their peace and kindness” Sullivan said.