In Remembrance…

As I reflect back on the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, I cannot help but recall a moving global tribute to the victims of 9/11, one year later on September 11, 2002.  Known as the Rolling Requiem, over 15,000 musicians came together in 180 performances from 25 different countries and performed Mozart’s “Requiem in D Minor” promptly at 8:46 AM (their time zone).  Television broadcasts worldwide showed each successive group beginning the requiem as it rolled around the globe.

In central Pennsylvania, preparation for a an assembled performance began in August.  Participation was voluntary, but most members of the choir had sung in churches, cathedrals or synagogues.  The conductor was Dr. Pierce Getz, professor of music at Lebanon Valley College.  Due in part to the outstanding support of the PA House of Representatives, the performance took place in the Capitol Rotunda.  Members and staff of the House and Senate contributed their singing talents, along with a diversity of  vocalists representing local businesses and agencies.

I was honored to be part of this musical memorial.  In addition to singing, each member of the choir was provided with a name of one of the victims who fell in the Twin Towers, at the Pentagon or at Shanksville, PA. In fact the title of our performance was “One voice for every person lost.” It became a very emotional event for many of us, because it was no longer just a collective tribute; each of us was now commemorating one of our victims.

Mine was Joseph J. Coppo, a Cantor Fitzgerald municipal bond trader working on the 104^th Floor of Tower One.  Since that day, I have had a chance to learn more about Joe Coppo and hear the many compliments paid to him as a husband, father of four, coworker and baseball coach.  By all accounts he was a great guy.

It is hard not to personalize tragic events such as this, and the names of the victims certainly made that more likely.  However, we mourn them not as Democrats or Republicans, conservatives or liberals, men or women, or members of a particular faith, but as fellow Americans.  We put differences aside and came together as a nation after that cruel and cowardly attack.

As we commemorate this event seventeen years later, may we come together as a nation to reaffirm our support for this great country and all who have died as a sacrifice for our freedom and unity.

R.I.P.