“As a part of the John Jay community, our students are carrying the legacy of these brave heroes in everything that they do.” —Karol V. Mason
Students, faculty, and staff came together on the Jay Walk on September 9, to plant 2,977 flags, each one symbolizing a life lost on September 11, 2001—including 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 police officers, and 37 Port Authority officers. “For many of our students, the tragic events on September 11 are not a part of their collective memory,” said Karol V. Mason, John Jay President. “But, as a part of the John Jay community, our students are carrying the legacy of these brave heroes in everything that they do.”
“As we plant the flags we make a visual statement that John Jay remains the kind of place filled with people who commit, who serve, and who risk themselves for others.” —Richard Pusateri
Sixty-seven John Jay flags at the center of the Jay Walk served as a symbolic representation of all the members of the John Jay community whose lives were lost that day. John Jay’s Flag Tradition and flag-carrying ceremony offered a moment of reflection, a deeper understanding of what the day means for the community, and a passing on of a College tradition for students. “I believe students that participate in the tribute and those who pass through it receive an important glimpse of the essential and true nature of John Jay College,” said Richard Pusateri, Military and Veterans Services Manager. “As we plant the flags we make a visual statement that John Jay remains the kind of place filled with people who commit, who serve, and who risk themselves for others.”
We spoke with several students at the event to learn why it was important for them to be part of John Jay’s Flag Tradition.
Luis Nunez ’20
Major: Law and Society
It was an honor for me to help carry the flag today. The events on September 11 have a personal connection to me. My uncle passed away from a 9/11-related illness. It’s important to remember those we lost on that day, and those first responders and helpers that we continue to lose because sadly, this tragedy is ongoing.
Helly Florian ’20
Major: Forensic Psychology
I feel that as the years go on, people start to lose sight of what happened on 9/11—especially the severity and realness of the tragedy. I wanted to get involved today because I want to help honor those who lost their lives. And, I want to make sure that we don’t forget the lives lost on that day.
Romello Ford ’20
Major: Sociology
I volunteered along with all of my teammates to help carry the flag down the steps. As students who go to school in New York City, 9/11 is part of all of our experiences. It’s important that we remember those who sacrificed their lives and honor those who were lost.
Emine Kilic ’19
Majors: Forensic Psychology and Criminology
The reason I volunteered was because I wanted to remember and honor those who lost their lives on 9/11. I also wanted to show my respect to first responders who sacrificed their lives on that day, and in the days after. They bravely ran into the buildings to rescue people, and in the days that followed, many fire fighters, police officers, EMTs, and volunteers went to the site to help in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Corey Jones ’23
Major: undecided
As a freshman, it was important for me to be here today and stand in solidarity with my teammates, peers, faculty, staff, and President Mason. I wanted to show my respect to those lost on September 11. It was a tragic day that affected so many lives. Events like this Flag Planting show that we at John Jay continue to support the families and honor those lost.
Jennifer Hurtado ’20
Major: Sociology
I’m here today because I wanted to show my respect to the people we lost on September 11. I worked at the 9/11 Memorial Museum over the course of several months and was able to see each day the gravity and severity of this tragedy.
Abdourahamane Ly ’19
Major: Emergency Management
As a student who studied Emergency Management, I was able to learn how the tragedy took place, the sacrifices made, and the lives lost. It’s an honor to be here today and pay my respects to all of those who perished.
Kenya Thomas ’22
Major: Forensic Psychology
By being here today, I’m hoping to offer my respects to those who died and acknowledge the tragedy of 9/11. As students, it’s up to us to continue to tell the story of what happened that day so that no one ever forgets.
See the Athletics Department’s video of the 9/11 Flag Event
More scenes from the event:
