9/11 remembered from world, faith views
The theme of Heidelberg’s remembrance ceremony on the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks was “Hope for Peace.” It was fitting, then, that the ceremony was held at the peace pole which reflects the idea May Peace Prevail on Earth in several languages.
Campus Minister Paul Sittason Stark led the ceremony that was designed to remember those who died and also to share words and prayers for hope and justice in the world. “We are acutely aware of our global community and our responsibility to one another,” Stark said. “As we remember the destruction and terror in our world, we gather in a common effort to hope for more peaceful ways and more just ways on Earth.”A cross-section of students, faculty and staff members representing five continents read verses, poetry and prayers. Additionally, the faith traditions on Hindu, Islam, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, Buddhist and Native American were represented through messages of peace and harmony.
“The world is not at peace. May we go forth and work for peace and justice in small and large encounters,” said Stark, who concluded the ceremony with the following prayer which has been spoken on this day in past years:
“Lead us, O God. Lead us from death to life,
From falsehood to truth.
Lead us from despair to hope,
From fear to trust;
Lead us from hate to love,
From war to peace.
Let peace fill our hearts.
Let peace fill our world.
Let peace fill our universe.
Amen. Go in peace.”
Posted on Sept. 11, 2008