Thousands, seeking solace, gather to reflect

On Princeton University’s campus and on Palmer Square, words of comfort, prayers for peace.

By: Jennifer Potash
   For an hour Sunday evening, Palmer Square, from the green turf below to the apartments above, was awash in candlelight as the community turned out to mourn those lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and to pray for peace.
   Earlier in the day, scores filled Cannon Green at Princeton University to reflect on the enormous loss of life incurred by the tragic events in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
   "And so we gather today in a spirit of remembrance, and reflection, and resolve: remembrance of all who have lost their lives; reflection on the lessons we can learn from what they have endured; and resolve that we will honor their memories in the ways we choose to live our own lives in the challenging times that we know lie ahead," said Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman at the Cannon Green ceremony.
   Beneath a starry sky, an estimated 2,000 people came to listen to prayers from religious leaders and words of encouragement from emergency response personnel and local officials during a 90-minute gathering at Palmer Square.
   The event was organized by Princeton Borough Councilwoman Wendy Benchley, the Rev. Frank Strasburger and the Rev. Robert Moore on behalf of the municipal governing bodies, Princeton Clergy Association and The Coalition for Peace Action.
   "Tonight you and I come together in this place because frankly we don’t know what else to do," said the Rev. Strasburger of Trinity Episcopal Church on Mercer Street.
   Princeton Regional Schools Superintendent Claire Sheff Kohn reminded parents and adults not to overlook the unique need of children during the tragedy. Inspired by the ideals expressed by the organization Save the Children, Dr. Kohn presented her comments from a child’s point of view.
   "Please help me to understand these events based on my age, and whatever age I am, I need your love, understanding and support to get through these troubling times," Dr. Kohn said.
   Religious leaders of all faiths offered words of comfort, prayers for national leaders and those involved in the rescue efforts, as well as pleas for tolerance.
   Iman Hamad Ahmad Chebli, religious director of the Islamic Society of Central New Jersey in South Brunswick, said Muslim-Americans "stand behind our great nation 100 percent."
   He continued, "So today let’s pray to God in harmony, shoulder to shoulder as one nation."
   Ann Yasuhara of the Princeton Friends Meeting simply asked the audience for a few moments of silence "to steady ourselves and be able to go on."
   All the speakers paid tribute to the police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who lost their lives as well those now working at the scene. Members of the Princeton Fire Department and the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad stood at attention during the service with strips of black elastic across their badges.
   Gregory Paulson, chief of the squad, lauded the community for contributing to the relief efforts.
   "It is my hope and prayer that Tuesday, Sept. 11 will be remembered not only for the pain we all suffered but the spirit of healing that has been kindled in all of us," he said. "I hope that spirit of helping one another will become the lasting legacy of the tragedy we all suffered."
   At the conclusion of the gathering at Palmer Square, choirs from the Westminster Choir College, Princeton High School, and American Boy Choir School and the audience sang "America the Beautiful," which brought many people to tears.
   Gathered on the Cannon Green, behind Nassau Hall, more than 1,000 university students, alumni, faculty and staff listened to some of the school’s scholars for an hour-long service that began at 3 p.m.
   Princeton University professors including Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, noted Civil War historian James McPherson and poet Paul Muldoon reflected on the tragedy.
   "I must be steady and I must be clear, knowing all the time that I have nothing to say," Ms. Morrison said. "Except this thread thrown between your humanity and mine, that I want to hold you in my arms."
   Mr. Muldoon read W.H. Auden’s poem "September 1, 1939," while Mr. McPherson cited one of the bloodiest battles in American history, Antietam in 1862, with 6,000 dead.