NPS staff, faculty, and students gathered Sept. 10, to pay tribute and to honor the men and women who lost lives and loved ones during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack during a ceremonial flag raising on the steps of Herrmann Hall.

The 30-minute tribute included a flag raising by NPS’ ceremonial color guard, an invocation by Cmdr. Louis Rosa, CHC, a benediction by Lt. Cmdr. Tom Statler, CHC, and remarks by Air Force Col. Pete Boerlage, followed by a collective moment of silence.

“We lost nearly 3,000 brave men and women at the World Trade Center, in the Pentagon, and in a field in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania on 9/11,” said Boerlage, NPS Chief of Staff.  “Today we pay tribute to those citizens, and to the loved ones they left behind.”  

Boerlage’s remarks also highlighted the impacts of the terrorist attacks on the university, the Nation and the world.

“Generations will remember that day,” said Boerlage.  “Our campus drew tremendous support from each other, from our community, and from our international partners. We came together to mourn, and to focus on rebuilding the future.”