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SmallerWe now know, more vividly than ever, that a world that is more interconnected than ever before brings great benefits, but it also brings a new dimension of vulnerability. And our fear can be our worst enemy. We were attacked precisely because of our open and diverse society, our commitment to freedom of religion and expression, and to the sanctity of the individual person. Let us not aid and abet the terrorists by responding to their attacks with fear, by attempting to insure our security by undermining those very freedoms that the murderers were trying to take away. We must accept that we cannot be completely secure, and that the rewards of a new global society will have their dangers and their costs. But lives without our basic freedoms are lives not worth living.
Let us reaffirm in this academic community our continued commitment to intellectual discovery and freedom of expression, and let us always conduct ourselves in ways that will honor the victims-the heroes-of September 11.
Blaine A. Brownell
Ball State University President
Sept. 11, 2002
" I HEAR AND I KNOW. I SEE AND I REMEMBER. I DO AND I UNDERSTAND." In 551 B.C., Confucius uttered this simple truth that summarizes our gathering today.
We heard and knew of the tragic attacks against our nation on September 11, 2001. Our safety was invaded, and we all felt vulnerable, as we anticipated the worst. My generation, who can barely remember the Persian Gulf War, witnessed the birth of the elusive and costly campaign against terrorism while Osama bin Laden and international news became common components of our pop culture.
We saw and remembered the symbolic images that marked the tragedy. The tattered flag recovered from the fallen towers waving over Ground Zero; the anguished firefighters and rescue workers who labored effortlessly to recover victims; and the survivors who were neither white nor black, but gray from the airborne ash.
Most remarkably, we did and we understood. Tragedy begat unity, as we responded to our president's call to action. We stood united, as a nation, to send a distinct message to the world that our home could be attacked but not our hearts. Divisions of race, socio-economic class, and political affiliations were put aside as we humbled ourselves to help one another. Young people everywhere arose, raising money, offering support, donating blood, and increasing community service to make a difference in our nation's time of need.
Even on our own campus, students made it a point of duty to help, perceiving no actions as too little. Ball State students were motivated to get up and do something. At this time, it is my distinct pleasure to publicly acknowledge and appreciate the following groups and individuals: Student Government Association, Residence Hall Association, Sigma Nu Fraternity, Social Workers Club, and Mike Polites for collectively raising over $3,000 and clocking over 200 hours of community service, towards the relief effort in New York City and Washington, D.C. Please join me in recognizing these students.
So today, we proudly stand as a stronger nation, tested by tragedy but not consumed by fear. Through this experience may my generation have a deeper value for our freedoms and understand the reciprocal benefits of selfless service towards our community. September 11th, will never be just a day, as we continuously honor and remember those who lost their lives. Speaking on behalf of the next class of world leaders, we will always remember the sanctity of unity, liberty and justice...for because they were, we are.
" I hear and I know. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
Thank you and God bless America.
Tolo Olowomeye
Ball State University Student Government Association President
Sept. 11, 2002
