Temple community gathers at the Bell Tower to remember the lives lost, honor those who served and reflect on the enduring lessons of 9/11
Temple University marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a remembrance ceremony at the Bell Tower, bringing members of the Temple community together for a morning of reflection, remembrance and unity.
The ceremony honored the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in New York City, at the Pentagon and aboard United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, as well as the first responders, members of the military and countless others whose lives were forever changed by the attacks.
Temple University President John Fry reflected on his own memories of September 11 and the responsibility of a new generation—many of whom were not yet born in 2001—to carry its lessons forward. He encouraged the Temple community to honor those who were lost through compassion, service, truth-seeking and a commitment to one another.
The program also included reflections from members of the Temple community and the singing of the National Anthem. The ceremony concluded with 25 chimes marking the 25 years since September 11, followed by a moment of silence honoring the passengers and crew of United Flight 93, whose extraordinary courage prevented the aircraft from reaching its intended target.
As Temple commemorates this milestone anniversary, the ceremony serves as both a remembrance of those who were lost and a reminder to carry forward the courage, compassion and commitment to one another that emerged in the aftermath of September 11.
