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Remembering Those We Lost


On a drizzly Friday morning, students, staff and local residents gathered at the flagpole in front of Old West and listened intently as Bronx, N.Y., native Jonathan Baez ’12 shared firsthand memories of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Baez, then a sixth-grader, had been sitting in his homeroom class when his substitute teacher announced that the city was under siege. “We rushed to the window, and we had a perfect view [of the World Trade Center],” Baez recalled. “Ten years later, it’s still fresh in my memory.”

A member of the New York Posse, Baez shared his story as part of Dickinson’s Patriot Day ceremony. The event has been presented each year since 2002 by the college’s Blue Mountain Battalion ROTC.

Katie Dollard ’12 was one of the students who got up early to attend the 10th-anniversary ceremony. “Everybody’s life is touched by this. I wanted to show support,” said Dollard, relating that her uncle narrowly missed becoming a victim of the attacks when a last-minute meeting in New York was canceled. [Story continues below.] 


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  • Members of the Blue Mountain Battalion ROTC salute as the flag is raised.
    Solemn Moment
  • Community member Donald Roeder plays taps during the flag-raising ceremony.
    Donald Roeder
  • After raising the flag, the honor-guard cadets lowered it to half-staff in honor of those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 attacks.
    Half-Staff
  • Audience members included faculty and staff members, students and local residents.
    Faculty and Staff
  • President William G. Durden '71 pauses for a moment of silence after laying the ceremonial wreath.
    Moment of Silence
  • Students watch as the color guard raises and lowers the flag.
    Tolling Bells
  • Members of Dickinson's honor societies, including Scroll and Key (Gray Hats), attended the ceremony. "We want to show our support," said Wheel and Chain member Danielle Kelly '12 (not pictured).
    Gray Hats
  • Speaking to the audience about his personal experience on Sept. 11, 2001, Bronx native Jonathan Baez '12 paid tribute to the "everyday heroes: firefighters, police oficers, doctors, nurses and teachers, and all those who joined together to support those affected." He concluded by saying, "We have fallen, but we are not defeated."
    Jonathan Baez '12
  • "We remember how our nation came together in a time of confusion to offer prayer, donations and support, and we are thankful for those who serve in our armed forces for their continued efforts on behalf of peace everywhere," said Mira Hewlett, director of religious life and community service.
    Mira Hewlett
  • Hayley Cohen '12 looks on as President William G. Durden '71 thanks Baez for delivering a moving speech. Cohen sang "Amazing Grace" during the wreath-laying ceremony.
    Hayley Cohen '12
  • Political-science major Alexander Egner '13 salutes with fellow cadets during part of the ceremony.
    Alexander Egner '13
  • Evan Dubchansky '14 of Los Angeles attended the ceremony in support of his friends in the ROTC. "It's important to support both those who lost their lives and those who continue to serve our country," he said.
    Evan Dubchansky '14
Members of the Blue Mountain Battalion ROTC salute as the flag is raised.Prev ImageNext Image

A family friend of Danielle Kelly ’12 died while fighting the fire at the World Trade Center. She attends the ceremony every year. “I find it amazing that after 10 years, Dickinson shows the same reverence and [observes this anniversary with such] meaning,” said the Long Island native. “Every year, it brings a little bit more closure and healing.”

 “We all have different experiences [related to 9/11] and different perspectives on it,” said Professor of Military Science Peter Lugar, who was serving in the Army at the time of the attacks, while the youngest student in his current crew of cadets was only 8 years old. “This ceremony allows each of us to remember it in our own way.”

By MaryAlice Bitts Jackson
Photos by Carl Socolow '77