The thoughts of all of us in the Florida Atlantic University community are with those who lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001. We will never stop honoring the memory of the men, women and children who lost their lives in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania on that terrible day. The loss of the victims and the brave first responders who rushed to help them will always be one of our greatest national tragedies. But now, 12 years later, we also remember how 9/11 brought us together as Americans, forging a new resolve in us to defend our way of life and protect our cherished freedoms. Let that be the legacy of those we remember today.

Commemorative activities will take place on the Boca campus throughout the day. A Pledge for Peace poster will be available in the Student Union for people to sign from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by an 8 p.m. performing arts event on the Outdoor Stage, which is located on the north lawn of the Student Union. Progressive Black Men, Inc., invites everyone to gather there to pay tribute to the lives lost on 9/11 and in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti #FAURememberUS. Performers will include the Pulse Dance Troupe, poets and singers. A candlelight vigil will be held at 9:11 p.m. I hope you will be able to participate.