Central Connecticut Remembers 9/11
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Although the events of Sept. 11 took place 18 years ago, it continues to follow people every day.
September 9, 2019
“To them, 9/11 is truly a historical event but one they instinctively know looms over America,” Warshauer said. Because of that, it’s both fascinating and important to discuss with students the ways in which their lives have been dramatically shaped by the events of Sept. 11.”
“This is a day of reflection of the past but also a day to compare what events are happening today,” senior exercise science major Morgan Slossberg said.
Slossberg, who took Warshauer’s class noted, “I was 3 years old when 9/11 happened. On this day I feel like it’s a reflective and learning experience since I don’t remember the event when I was alive.”
Slossberg’s biggest take away from the class was the slogan, “We will never forget.”
“The attacks irrevocably redirected the 21st century and I try to explain to students why the attacks occurred, the impact it has had and continues to have, as well as the nation’s response following the attack,” Warshauer explained. “I think my students walk away with a much better understanding of foreign policy and culture.”
Marine Core Veteran Owen Cornish who served from 2011- 2016, has a different connection with 9/11. Although Cornish was in the 3rd grade when the attacks occurred, his father had just gotten off the subway right near the Towers getting ready to walk to work when the first plane hit.
“[My father] was completely dumbstruck. He was in that fog of was it an accident. You didn’t even fathom that it was an attack until the second plane hit sort of thing,” Cornish said.
Cornish’s father, who was in charge of a senior living community nearby, acted right away.
“His mind turned into do we have to evacuate? How am I going to get all these people out of Lower Manhattan and he basically jumped into action, got his employees together to leave and helped move all these people before the towers fell up to Upper Manhattan. And after they fell they went back to the community the next day,” Cornish said.
“It makes me feel pretty proud that that is my dad and he had the foresight to do all of that,” Cornish said.
The current Army student noted that though he was too young when the event took place he, “will never forget hearing of the everyday heroes that rushed into those buildings to save people. The firefighters, police and all others that made the choice and sacrificed it all. Their selfless service – they are true heroes.”
“Terrorism is still worth fighting for. Violence and intimidation to gain political advantages is not freedom,” Cornish continued. “No one should have to sit back and let that control their lives. Freedom is for everyone.”
The day holds a different meaning for everyone.
“9/11 is arguably the most important event of the new century. It defines America in both good and bad ways,” Warshauer said. “It could have brought the world closer together, but because of the Iraq War and the misguided policies of the Bush administration, 9/11 set much of the world on fire.”
