By Student Affairs
Thursday, 07 15 2021

 

Twenty years ago this month, on  September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defined the presidency of George W. Bush.

This historical day, known commonly as Patriots Day, will continue to be remembered at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.  

In October 2001, a severely damaged tree was discovered at Ground Zero, with snapped roots and burned and broken branches. The tree was removed from the rubble and placed in the care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

In 2013, in partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts and John Bowne High School in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum launched the Survivor Tree Seedling Program. Each year, the 9/11 Memorial gives seedlings from the Survivor Tree to three communities that have endured tragedy in recent years.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio is home to one of its seedlings. The small tree found its southern home in 2016 and has since been nurtured, maintained, and valued with extreme care. 

Richard Delgado Jr., Executive Director, Military Affairs & Strategic Initiatives, a decorated Marine Corps Veteran, reflected on his 12 years working for A&M-SA and his continued efforts in educating community members to remember those lost on 9/11. Delgado has spent his life serving his community, our country, and military-connected students to achieve personal, academic, and career success. 

“That day impacted every person living and traveling in the world.  Those lost lives that day went about their day as normal, and some never had the chance to say goodbye. We all need to remember all those lives that were lost and the ones we are still losing due to their work at Ground Zero. I will never forget that day and being stunned about what has happened to change my mindset to start assisting to protect California’s airspace, lives, and property. We must never lose sight of how much this changed our world,”- Delgado. 

Throughout the month, you can stop by Patriots’ Casa to observe the Ground Zero 360 Exhibit. Ground Zero 360 honors the sacrifice of the victims and families of the 9/11 terror attacks. The traveling exhibition containing original works of art and 9/11 artifacts allows the spectator to step into the past and explore the startling aftermath of one of the most tragic events in American history from a New Yorker’s perspective. 

“The most important thing is to give back to our community and support one another. I wish that we could get back to the months following 9/11 where it came together as a Nation,” said Delgado.

Community members wishing to partake in on-campus remembrance can attend The Office of Military Affairs, hosting a Patriot’s Day Ceremony on September 10, from 8:30 AM-9:00 AM. 

Veterans from all military branches are encouraged to come and post the Colors of Remembrance. A wreath will be laid at this time on our Survivor Tree. 

On Saturday, Sept 11, A&M-SA will partner with the Travis Manion Foundation to host the 9/11 Heroes Run. This run will 5K run/walk/ruck, and 1-mile fun run. Those interested in the run can register here. 

When asked about the Hero’s Run, Delgado said, “The Hero's Run pays tribute to the thousands of veterans, active duty, and first responders who have stepped up to serve in the year since 9/11. How does the Heroes Run continue to inspire others, you ask? The Travis Manion Foundation’s 9/11 Heroes Run pays tribute to all those that said, ‘If Not Me... Then Who…’ So many just ran into harm’s way to attempt to save as many as possible.”

 

For the most updated information on on-campus events for our military-connected students, follow the Office of Military Affairs Social Media Pages:

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