The flags were flying at half-mast throughout campus yesterday in remembrance of those who perished in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. If one missed seeing them, they would be hard-pressed to find any indication of what happened that fateful day being observed on UB's campuses. UB, like the rest of the nation, is moving on from the pain of 9/11 but its overarching effects on our daily lives should never be overlooked.
UB decided not to hold any officially sanctioned campus memorial service this year, opting instead to conduct services for 9/11 every five years on campus. After this year's hiatus, the five-year cycle will begin Sept. 11, 2006. This is in line with what is happening nationwide regarding memorial services and 9/11. Though Bush called for a "National day of prayer," life has gone on for most and the violent images of that day have receded further away from our collective consciousness. This is unfortunate because 9/11 is in danger of becoming a tragedy of another distant era similar to Dec. 7's Pearl Harbor Day, but it is understandable. Besides low-key ceremonies being held in NYC and Washington D.C., the nation has largely put the terror attacks of four years ago behind them, though there are many - UB students included - for whom the memories of 9/11 are still vivid.
While a large-scale memorial is not expected, UB should have made something available to those on campus looking to grieve in remembrance of 9/11. Many come from the NYC area and look to memorials as a means to work through lingering emotions revolving around that day. Perhaps a small ceremony or simple gathering of those who wished to speak about the attacks would have been in order. Regardless of its nature, the symbolism a service holds is where its importance lies and UB's decision to forgo any type of service this year speaks volumes to the mindset afflicting many regarding 9/11.
Undoubtedly the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the plight of those struggling for survival has caused the nation to step back from 9/11's anniversary and focus on the Gulf Coast, which is a mistake. The natural disaster was compounded by the inadequacies of the government's response on the local, state and national level. But 9/11 plays a vital role in this, which lends its observance even more weight. Local and state governments find their federal funding slashed because of wars being fought overseas that are a direct result of the attacks on 9/11. As the recent ruling by the 4th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals made clear, civil liberties we long have taken for granted are fast eroding - the court ruled the president has the power to indefinitely detain U.S. citizens deemed enemy combatants, which is a direct result of 9/11. Those who have lost their lives in Iraq, both solders and citizens, did so because of 9/11 and a general "war on terror" is being implemented due to the attacks. The events of 9/11 provided the context with which our foreign policy is currently being conducted and affects numerous aspects of our lives immeasurably every day.
The lowering of American flags on campus to half-mast is a nice gesture but does not reflect the importance or impact of the attacks on our society. We owe it to those who died - and ourselves - to never forget both the immediate and long-term effects of 9/11. Glossing over its anniversary might be a way of moving on, but is insensitive.
