Norwich community observes tragedy with honor parade

By Amanda Tracy
Norwich Guidon Managing Editor

Citizens of Vermont and the world gathered at the Upper Parade ground on Sept. 14 to share a moment of reflection and prayer.

The special ceremony happened to coincide with one of the weekly reviews of the Corps of Cadets, and was dedicated to the honor of those who have died or were injured as a result the tragic terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, and to the friends and loved ones of those affected by the attacks.

The ceremony, attended by Governor Howard Dean and hundreds of local Vermonters, included a 21-gun salute by the Norwich Independent Battery and the playing of the national anthem. An extended prayer service called for strength and the remembrance of those lost and still missing, and was conducted by Rev. William Wick, University Chaplain.

After the special ceremony, Norwich University President Richard Schneider commented about the possibility of student involvement. "I do think we will see students mobilized," Schneider said.

He recalled that in the early 1990s, Norwich sent 32 "reservists and guardsmen," who were also students, to Operation Desert Storm. "Norwich protected their financial aid and kept all their academic programs intact."

"We will do that again, if we have to," Schneider said.

Though Schneider doubted there would be extensive student involvement, like the mobilization of the Mountain Cold Weather Rescue Team, he speculated that there would be a heavy demand for "MPs, engineers, and medical technicians."

Schneider admitted that he was "watching CNN just like you folks," in reference to his sources of information. "Now that I'm retired, I'm not privy to that kind of stuff."

Of his contact with Maj. Gen. Martha Rainville of the Vermont National Guard, Schneider said that they were incredibly supportive of each other, and that he expects Norwich students in the guard and reserve units to fulfill their responsibility.

"They're getting paid to be reservists and guardsmen; they're taking United States money; they've taken an oath; and I expect them, if they're called, that they'll serve," said Schneider.

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