Annual Remembrance Service and Panel Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Friday, Sept. 11, was a day of reflection, remembrance and service at Bowie State University as the campus community marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Hosted by the Office of Multicultural Programs and Civic Engagement, the university's 2nd Annual Hidden Heroes 9/11 Day of Remembrance Service and Panel Discussion brought together students, veterans, public servants and community members to contemplate the lasting impact of one of the most significant moments in American history.

Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux said 9/11 remains a reminder of "how quickly life can change" and emphasized the importance of holding on to the values that unite people during difficult times.

"In the days that followed, our nation found strength in unity. People from every background reached out to help one another, proving that we are more alike than different."

Breaux also emphasized the role of education in shaping future generations, citing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s call to overcome darkness with light and hate with love.

The morning began with a care package assembly for 300 local first responders in the Student Center Ballroom. A First Responders Servant Leadership lunch-and-learn session followed. More than 60 attendees heard panelists and students share personal stories about how the events of 9/11 affected their families and influenced their understanding of service, preparedness and community responsibility.

Danny Dancy III '30 is a cybersecurity major whose father was serving in the U.S. Navy during the attacks. As a youngster, he recalled how the uncertainty of that day affected his family.

"My mom was scared when she couldn't get in touch with my dad at first. 9/11 changed the dynamic of our family functions and going out to public events and spaces. My dad taught us it's okay to be scared, but don't let it get in your way."

Brandon Freeman '29, an accounting major, also said his father's military service during the era shaped how his family approaches safety and preparedness.

"My dad was overseas at that time, and it raised the sense of security for my family. My parents became closer-knit and security-minded after that. 9/11 made a big impact on my family."

Deonte Smith '30 is a communications major and has served in the District of Columbia National Guard for nearly a decade. He joined the military as part of his family's legacy of service. His grandfather and uncle also served. Smith spoke of faith placed in first responders.

"The community is trusting you to be there in case something happens. People want to know that when emergencies occur, they can look to first responders for answers and security."

A special moment during the program recognized one of the panelists, graduate student Sabrina Bolton, an Army ROTC cadet studying organizational communications. George Onyenyeonwu, director of Veterans Affairs for Prince George's County and a retired Air Force officer, ceremonially presented Bolton with a challenge coin in recognition of her leadership and commitment to service.

AmeriCorps awarded Bowie State a Sept. 11 Day of Service grant to support civic engagement throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia region.

As attendees reflected on the lives lost on Sept. 11 and the resilience that followed, the event reinforced a central message: remembrance is not only about honoring the past but also about carrying forward the values of service, compassion and unity for future generations. The Bowie State community demonstrated these values in action by taking time to assemble the care packages for the benefit of first responders in the region.