POTSDAM – A crowd of Clarkson University students, faculty and staff gathered this morning at the campus World Trade Center Memorial Sculpture to honor the almost 3,000 people who perished in terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
The steel in the memorial is from the World Trade Center and was obtained by Michael Bielawa, a 1985 Clarkson graduate, who worked on the 9-11 clean-up efforts.
Four Clarkson alumni were among those who perished in the attacks: Mark Rasweiler '70, Richard O'Connor '75, Paul Hughes '85 and Peter Klein '87.
Each of the deceased alumni's names is engraved above a light in the foundation of the structure.
Clarkson Professor Abul N. Khondker delivered the prayer at the ceremony.
It was modified from a benediction by Imam Muzammil Siddiqui at the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance on September 14, 2001, in the National Cathedral, Khondker said.
The text of the prayer follows:
In the Name of God, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.
Almighty God, we turn to you as we remember the terrible day of pain and grief -- almost ten years ago. This country and the world witnessed the evil of destruction, deaths and sufferings of thousands of our fellow human beings. Hundreds of first responders and law enforcement officers died trying to save lives. With sadness and grief in our hearts, we turn to You again, our Lord, to seek comfort.
Our Lord, you said and your words are true. Yet there are some who have violated your commands and this heinous crime was perpetrated in Your Holy name.
“…And do not kill the soul which God has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right….. (The Qur'an 6:151)
“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God as witnesses to fair dealings and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to righteousness. Fear God, indeed God is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (The Qur'an 5:8)
O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you. Indeed, God is Knowing and Acquainted. (The Qur'an 49:13)
Goodness and evil are not equal. Repel the evil with the good. Then will he between whom and you was hatred become as it were your friend and intimate. But no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune. (The Qur'an 41: 34-35)
Almighty God, help us at times of distress, fear and uncertainty, keep us united as people of diverse faiths, colors and races. Keep this country strong for the sake of good and righteousness, and protect humanity from the evil of terrorism. Ameen (Amen).
