Special Commemorative Edition
Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor:

This letter is concerning the recent attack on America. I would like to address the recent rise in patriotism that has evoked in our country. This is true even at Norwich University. A giant flag flew on the steps of Jackman, overlooking a proud and magnificent Corps. It is truly moving to see people coming together in the wake of this tragedy, but where were they a month ago or two months ago?

It seems that it took a disaster such as the World Trade Center towers to fall and thousands to die to get our attention. This should not be the case. Every day there are thousands of men and women who put their lives on the line so that people in this country can practice the freedoms entitled to them. Where is this support when Memorial Day or Veterans Day rolls around?

People sit back and take freedom for granted; they take life for granted; hopefully now after this terrible lesson, Americans will have learned what it is to be free. The exact cost of that is the human life, a truly priceless commodity.

Martha Petersante

Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter to commend the great displays of patriotism that I have witnessed both from people at the university and in town as of late. I cannot even express how uplifting it is to walk around campus or in Northfield and see the American flag waving proudly from the antenna of a car or in someone's yard.

It is a shame, though, that it had to take such a tragedy for everyone to exhibit how proud they are of our flag and our country. We should always realize how lucky we are to live in this country, and be proud of it. Hopefully, people will remember this for long after the tragedy, and keep the flags waving.

Elysha D. Nelson

Dear Editor:

The violence directed towards Muslims and those who appear to be Muslim here in America, is reprehensible and disgraceful. Although we have been witness to the most vile acts of terrorism, we, as Americans, should not lose sight of the fact that we are a nation of immigrants. As I struggled with the horrific moments of Sept. 11, I, too, had to examine my own prejudices.

I felt an overwhelming urge to strike out at anyone who might be responsible for terrorism. However, if we celebrate freedom, this must be extended to every person. If we start looking at skin color as an indicator of potential violence, then we are no better than Nazis. How can violence against others possibly lessen our grief? Is this the grief that the victims of this "revenge" endure any less than that of the victims of terrorism? I believe that only the most ignorant and stupid could justify transgressions against others in the name of America.

Christi Rinehard

Dear Editor:

I am writing to praise the way this school reacted to the events of last week, with the horrible acts of terrorism against the United States. The faculty and staff reacted properly to this, with everyone being available to talk with any student that needed help, allowing students to leave classes or just miss class to try to get ahold of loved ones back home.

The vigil that was held on Thursday, the 13th, in White Chapel was a great thing, especially for the students who needed a place to go and just be with friends, and support other friends who had no one.

I would also like to praise Rev. Wick for his readiness and availability to anyone who needed him, also the Learning Support Center and the counseling center who made themselves available. It showed how this campus really came together as a family. It is a great thing to see that the faculty, staff, and students of Norwich University can pull together in a time of crisis in support of each other.

Marshall Bates

Dear editor:

On the night of Tuesday, September 11, after the bombing at The World Trade Center and at the Pentagon, the Corps and the civilians gathered outside for taps. After taps, the bagpipes played "Amazing Grace".

For the first time in four years, I witnessed the Corps and the civilian students out on the Upper Parade Ground not fighting or shouting obscenities back and forth at one another. This time they all came together for the same purpose, to pay respect to those who have died.

Needless to say, what happened in New York City and Washington D.C. was horrific, but I think in the end it will help bring this nation back together again.

Respectfully,
Frankie Collyer

Dear Editor:

As you know, the terrorist events that happened last Tuesday on the 11th of September, 2001, affected the lives of millions of people throughout the United States. Forever, our lives will be changed from the incident, and it will always be in the back of our minds.

The reason for my writing this is to show how much of our country had leaped forward during this time of mourning, and we will not bow down and fear each day that more attacks will come. I think our country has done a great job moving on and trying to continue with everyday life. Last week was a hard week for all of the United States; we were still trying to pick up the pieces of this shattered moment in time, and we are still doing so, but with clearer emotions. We were confused and scared, and for the most part wanting to know why did this happen to us?

Sporting events are now starting to resume play, and I think that with these events, it will bring hope and joy to this country. We will show the opposing countries that committed this awful act that we will not hide. We will not lie down to the evil face of terrorism. The United States and other supporting countries will rise from this time and overcome this tragedy.

We (the United States) are now starting to get back into out regular daily lives and routines. The public has done a magnificent job in trying to resume their lives. Our military and government has made it clear that the United States, and other supporting countries will not stand anymore these acts of terrorism and cowardice. We will survive and with the help from all, we will succeed in the war or terrorism.

Josh Eherenman

Dear Editor:

I would like to say to all those people that lost friends and family due to the plane crashes in New York City, Washington, DC, and in Pennsylvania that my prayers are with you.

After watching most of the events unfold on TV during the tragedy, I realized how lucky we as Americans are. I am proud to be part of what this nation stands for.

What I am having trouble dealing with is the way that some people act in the aftermath of what happened. I think that some people are getting too caught up in the moment when something of this magnitude happens; they want to find the perpetrators and show them justice.

I AM a loyal American and will fight for this country if need be, but I think that we have to trust our government to find out the specifics of what we as a country will get ourselves into.

I watched the presidential address on Sept. 20, and I agreed with most of what President Bush said. The problem that I have is that people will get confused as to with whom we are going to fight.

Al Quaeda, the terrorist group believed to be responsible, is not part of Afghanistan. What I believe people also have to understand is that terrorism is not something that is only in other countries and is not something that can be controlled. Yes, we can be rid of immediate problems, but what happens if terrorists find a way to hide and still wreak havoc? The answer is simply that we will have no defense against this.

As I said before, I am willing to die for this country, but I want to know what I am actually fighting for and who I am fighting against.

Todd Mansfield

Editor's Note: The following letter was submitted by President Schneider as a letter to the editor, which was sent to him by Cadet Sgt. Ray Murray, a Norwich student on leave to serve as a medic in the U.S. Army in Kosovo. Murray has served for the last year as a medic treating army personnel and Kosovo citizens. Murray is also a Norwich communications major and had served as the sports editor of The Norwich Guidon. He is expected to return to the United States sometime this month.

Sir,

Cadet Rob Murray and I (Cadet Ray Murray) just got finished reading your speech, and we just wanted to let you know it meant a lot to us over here in Kosovo. The other members of our Task Force who read it thought it was well said from start to finish, as well.

January is coming soon, and hopefully we'll get to start classes again. Getting deployed again is a very real possibility for our Unit, though, and we're waiting for more information. While we were gone, our fellow Cadets kept us sane and up to speed on all we were missing on campus. That Norwich spirit and bond holds tough even halfway around the world.

The Norwich group here has asked me to present you with something on my return back to the States. Rob and I plan on spending the week of the 15th to get ourselves squared away for our upcoming semester (we hope). Look forward to seeing you.

Raymond Murray

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