Dear Howard University Community, 

September 11, 2001.

Although it happened 19 years ago, many of us remember that date and moment in time as if it was yesterday. We can tell you exactly where we were the moment we learned that commercial planes hit the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, PA. The shock, the disbelief, the sadness and hopelessness are palpable when I think about this particular American tragedy. The day that would soon be known simply as 9/11, when more than 3,000 lives were lost in the Nation’s worst attack on U.S. soil. 

Thousands of brave men and women ran towards the flames at Ground Zero in New York and exposed themselves to toxic fumes that would later cause debilitating illnesses or fatal diseases. Families were forever changed in an instant, yet the anniversary of this date stands as a reminder of America’s resiliency and the importance of protecting this country through unity rather than division. 

As we remember this sorrowful day each year, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 9/11 victims and the first responders who answered the call on that fateful day. We can never repay the sacrifices that were made nor replace the loved ones taken so suddenly. My hope is that the years have been kind to each person impacted by this event.

Today, I challenge each of us to reflect on our individual responsibility to demonstrate our humanity to our fellow neighbor. The Howard legacy is built on the pillars of truth and service: truth to fighting for justice for our community and service to all mankind. While this year has been filled with many new challenges, it is also filled with opportunity. Let us pause to embrace our different cultures, ideas, norms and beliefs as the chance to become more knowledgeable and inclusive of the aspects of our character that makes us unique. In time, we may also find many points of connection that make us similar.

The significance of 9/11 will forever be etched in our minds, hearts and prayers. Let’s continue to use the memory of this tragedy as motivation to come together as a more tolerant society with drive for more inclusion, humility, understanding and above all, more love. 

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
President