#GWRemembers Sept. 11

Each year, members of the GW community gather to remember those who lost their lives on that solemn Tuesday morning in September 2001.

Provost Steve Lerman memorializes those who lost their lives on 9/11.

The campus vigil was started in the years after the 9/11 attack and has been a tradition ever since.

GW faith leaders of different backgrounds offer a united prayer for peace and comfort.  The University Provost offers thoughtful words.  One student tells the story of his father, who was killed. And the university remember the nine GW alumni who were lost during the catastrophic events of that day.

The GW Chamber Choir in dress rehearsal before the vigil.

Music plays a key role in the memorializing process.  It has the power to heal the soul and stir emotion.  It brings comfort and joy.  It is fitting, then, that the GW Department played a role in the vigil.

Interim Chair of the Music Department, Dr. Robert Baker, lead the assembled group in singing the national anthem as members of GW ROTC presented the flag.

Kevin Frey (yours truly) leads the choir in a dress rehearsal.

Later, the GW Chamber Choir performed during the candle-lighting portion of the service.  Senior Kevin Frey (the author of this blog) had the chance to conduct the choir on two pieces.  They were:

• "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" by Peter Lutkin
• "Elie, Elie" by David Zehavi, arranged by Stephen Glass

The GW Troubadours, a campus co-ed acapella group, also performed during what was a rather moving and solemn ceremony.

The GW Troubadours perform during the vigil.