Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T’was Grace that taught…
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear…
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares…
we have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…
and Grace will lead us home…

John Newton

Last Friday was no ordinary Friday. Early in the morning, a gathering took place outside on the grounds of the St. Petersburg College Allstate Center. What kind of gathering am I talking about? The Allstate Center honored those lost on September 11^th, 2001 with a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Dr. Shirley Johnson, professor at St. Petersburg College – College of Public Safety, presented the history of the 9/11 tragedy. Her presentation was followed by Presentation of Colors by the Pinellas Park Police Department Honor Guard. After the Raising of the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance, Police Recruit Class 198 cadet Ashley Mehler presented a remembrance speech. The Bag Pipe musicians played Amazing Grace to a sober and respectful audience.

Carol Mashburn, Senior Administrative Services Specialist at the St. Petersburg College Allstate Center noted, “It’s hard to believe that 14 years ago one of the most tragic and devastating events occurred in our nation’s history.  “Where were you when the world stopped turning….” kept churning in my head as I remembered exactly where I was, what I was doing and thinking as I was glued to the news in unbelief. Today, the destruction is no longer visible. Buildings and memorials have been constructed. But we set aside a few minutes to honor and mourn thousands of people we’ve never met. We are mindful that in a heartbeat our lives and a nation can change forever, and we will never forget.”

Thank you Carol for sharing your thoughts with us. We are grateful to you for sharing your personal insight into such a tragic event. And thank you to everyone at the Allstate Center who participated in this most important event that, as Carol said, we must never forget.

Until next time…

Contributors: Carol Mashburn, Senior Administrative Services Specialist at St. Petersburg College Allstate Center, Dr. Shirley Johnson, Professor at St. Petersburg College Allstate Center