Remembering 9/11

A Letter from MUSC President David J. Cole, M.D., FACS - September 10, 2021

Dear MUSC family,

Tomorrow marks the 20th year since the horrific and tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. For many, the pain of that day continues into the present as we remember the almost 3,000 Americans who were killed in New York City, in Arlington, Virginia, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We also owe an unpayable debt to those thousands of brave first responders, front-line health care providers and military personnel who worked tirelessly for months on end to keep our nation safe and help us to recover from the devastation of the attacks.

MUSC chaplains will host a combined virtual and in-person event to recognize that fateful day at 12:30 p.m. today. The in-person event will be held at St. Luke's Chapel at 181 Ashley Ave. A live-stream will be available via Microsoft Teams.

Although a different set of circumstances surround us currently, nationally and abroad, I believe it’s worth noting that in response to the events of Sept. 11, the American people came together with incredible resilience and strength to move forward as one nation. The common vision and the measures we took collectively as a larger community served as a catalyst to protect us from those who would seek to harm or destroy who we are and what we represent. While the larger threat we face at this moment comes from a virus, the parallels are nonetheless there – and once again, we clearly have the ability to unite in response to a threat in order to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our way of life.

Events like 9/11 or crises like a pandemic are far bigger than any subjective differences that may divide us as a people. We can, and must, work together for the common good in order to face these existential challenges.

Yours in service,

David J. Cole, M.D., FACS
MUSC President