Remembering 9/11

I imagine many of you have seen the TV documentaries recently about September 11, 2001.  I recently saw it on the Smithsonian Channel this past weekend.  To those of us who lived through it, it seems like only yesterday; not 10 years ago.  I think I now know what my parents’ generation felt like when someone mentioned December 7, 1941. President Roosevelt called it a day which will live in infamy. This is exactly how 9/11 seems to most of us today. The visions we saw on TV are still so vivid that I cannot imagine ever forgetting. I’m sure that’s what a generation felt about December 7.  Sadly, the further we get removed from an event, the less the memories seem to be.

It will soon be 10 years since we saw fellow Americans running from falling building debris, bodies covered with soot and faces filled with fear!  Like I said, to me it seems like yesterday.  This year’s freshmen in high school were only 4 years old and may not have even been enrolled in school yet.  I doubt if many of them have much of a memory of the event.

Those of us involved in the arts, and in particular the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, are determined to do whatever we can to pay tribute to this horrific tragedy and not let it become a distant fleeting thought for a new generation.  Those who forget history are destined to relive it.  This is why we have put together two big events to commemorate the 10th anniversary.

On Sunday, September 11, we have teamed with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic to produce and present the biggest tribute in the region: a 9/11 Musical Memorial and Celebration.  Maestro Andrew Constantine, a Brit at the time of 9/11/01, states, “Music has the power to heighten feelings and emotions like little else, and bring us together in the most tragic of times.  We at The Fort Wayne Philharmonic are both proud and privileged to share in this special commemoration with the people of Van Wert.”  Well said, maestro!

It is the goal of us at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center to provide an opportunity for the people in our area and beyond to attend a concert that doesn’t necessarily relive those tragic memories, but celebrates a country that ten years later still stands tall and shines brightly as one nation under God.  Ten years later, two of the world’s most horrific tyrants now must deal with their creator.  They are no longer around to terrify others, and certainly not Americans!

There are many facets to this concert, including a men’s chorus singing Randall Thompson’s “Testament of Freedom,” with words by Thomas Jefferson that still ring so true today, “The God who gave us life, gave us liberty!”  The concert will have many local elements as well as national news clips from 9/11 and even December 7, 1941.  Outstanding vocal soloists will complement the orchestra in pieces meant to express sorrow and beauty.

Another aspect of this concert is the display in the Upper Lobby of the NPAC.  You won’t want to miss seeing this display, which is a tribute to those lives lost on 9/11 and even includes an actual piece of one of the steel beams from the World Trade Center. Awarded to the Van Wert City Fire Department, they have graciously loaned it to us so everyone can see and experience it.  You can see the smoke burns on this piece of steel that once supported the World Trade Center building.

Two days later, a survivor of the World Trade Center, Michael Hingson, will be sharing his experience as his guide dog, Roselle helped lead him and others to safety as the building collapsed.  I only recently heard that they were a mere 100 yards away from the building as it fell.  What a story he must have to share!

Michael will be here on Tuesday, September 13, at 7:30 p.m. The 9/11 concert with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic will begin at 7 p.m.  Tickets to both events are currently on sale online (www.npacvw.org) and at the box office (419.238.NPAC 6722). I sure hope you can join us as the Niswonger Performing Arts Center does its part to honor America with these two outstanding events.

FINÉ.