STAFF EDITORIAL: One Year Later

On Sept. 11, 2002, it is nearly impossible to recall Sept. 10, 2001, the last day before our lives were changed forever. But if one thinks hard enough, it may still be possible to conjure up a memory of life before it was shattered by the realization that terrible, incomprehensible events can and do happen in contemporary America. Today is a day to reach back for that memory while looking to the future. It is a chance to reflect on the past year, particularly on the events of last Sept. 11.

In the first weeks after Sept. 11, carrying on with daily life was painful. One year later, it still hurts to hear the wail of fire trucks or the steady hum of an airplane engine. Today, in accordance with Mayor Bloomberg's call for business in New York to continue as usual, the University will mix reflection with its usual business--the business of educating more than 20,000 people.

After a brief memorial on Low Plaza in the morning, where President Bollinger will read the names of Columbia alumni who died in the attacks, classes will commence. Throughout the day, other events will be held for those who wish to attend, among them an interfaith commemoration service, a recitation of the names of the deceased, a tree-planting by Barnard President Judith Shapiro, and a candlelight vigil.

Columbia is succeeding as well as any institution can at an impossible task--memorializing an event that, we hope and pray, will be the biggest tragedy in our lifetime. No memorial service could do justice to Sept. 11; but the University's program of simple commemorations promises to exhibit the best of Columbia and should show observers that a university so closely woven into the fabric of New York can and will persevere.

At the same time, it is also important to remember to move forward. The further we get from the events of last September, the easier it will be to be complacent. There is still the future to contend with--Sept. 11 did not erase the that. On Sept. 11, 2002, we take time to remember where we were a year ago as we continue to search for where we will be in the years ahead of us. With an eye on the past, we must also look to the future, as we have done for the past year.