Under the baobab: Penn State, State College community unite to honor 9/11 victims
“…we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract ...” President Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
The U.S. Constitution forbids the establishment of a state religion, bestowing upon each of us the right to worship as we choose. Despite this restriction, (maybe even because of it), we, the people, have established sacred days when we collectively commemorate moments in our history, give witness and testify to the bedrock principles of our Republic. Such is the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Martin Luther King Day, and September 11.
Throughout the country, particularly in places directly affected by the attacks, we gathered Thursday to remember that day 24 years ago when almost 3,000 of our people lost their lives. Each of their names were read at Ground Zero in New York City. Bells were rung at the Pentagon. Survivors of the Flight 93 heroes laid flowers at the monument for their loved ones.
Locally, the College Republicans at Penn State held a service on the Old Main lawn. Exactly 2,977 flags were displayed to honor those who passed. Emcee Mia Humphreys introduced State College Mayor Ezra Nanes, State Rep. Paul Takac, State Senators Wayne Langerholc and Cris Dush, and Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi.
Roses were placed at the ten banners that represented those members of the Penn State family we lost on that tragic day: Kermit Anderson ‘65, Patrick Dwyer ‘86, Michael Ferugio ’87, Scott Hazelcorn ‘94, Howard L. Kane ’83, David Kovalcin ‘83, Michele Nelson ‘85, Michael Pescherine ‘91, Jean Roger ‘99 and David Suarez ’99.
The School of Theatre and members of the State College artistic community presented “9/11 — A Day in the Life of A People,” at the Downtown Theatre Center. The hour-long play told the stories of what happened to 12 ordinary people on 9/11. Over 20 years ago it was the first play presented in the venue and was invited to the 10th anniversary commemoration of 9/11 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. It featured: Wendell Franklin, Elaine Meder-Wilgus, Carmin Wong, Karen Mosley-Bryan, Amelia Settembre, Terry Watson, William Prudnick, Charles and Jo Dumas. The play will be featured at the 250th founding anniversary of the Republic next year.
Around town
Centre County Commissioners Mark Higgins and Amber Concepcion hosted their annual Chili Cook-off at the Teamsters Union Hall. Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis was the guest speaker. A couple of hundred chili connoisseurs dined while listening to Mayor Nanes, county Controller Jason Moser and Magisterial District Judge Steve Lachman. Others in attendance included Magisterial District Judge Don Hahn, State Reps. Takac and Scott Conklin, Ferguson Township Supervisor Omari Paterson and State College board of education member Jesse Barlow.
Allayn Beck, executive director of the State College Food Bank, and major sponsor Valhalla Business Advisors hosted a fundraiser with A Great Big World at The State Theatre. Ian Axel’s songs inspired the packed house. He said, “This concert isn’t just about music — it’s about making a difference.”
Also making music and a difference, the Ulysses Owens Jr. Big Band performed at the Eisenhower Auditorium. The Center for the Performing Arts sponsored the three-time Grammy Award-winning drummer and his 18-piece jazz orchestra performing classics and originals, just this side of Basie, Ellington and the Dorsey Brothers (who? look it up).
Coming up, We the People Roundtables at Delta High School will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
And the resistance continues. Thompson Tuesdays is held from 5-6 p.m. at U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson’s Bellefonte office. Flowers for Peace is held at the Allen Street Gates, Mondays at 5.
Finally, rise up — WPSU is under attack, fight to save it!
“…we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
Charles Dumas is a lifelong political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party’s nominee for the U.S. Congress in 2012. He is a Lions Paw honoree. He lives in State College with his wife and partner of over 50 years.