An estimated 2,500 GVSU students faculty and staff members answered President George W. Bush's call to make Friday, September 14 a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of the attacks of September 11.
Bush asked that the people of the United States mark the day with noontime memorial services, the ringing of bells at that hour, and evening candelight remembrance vigils.
GVSU held two noon memorial programs, one at the Cook Carillon Tower on the Allendale Campus and one at the Beckering Family Carillon on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
The Allendale service featured remarks from GVSU President Mark A. Murray, the Rev. Marlin Vis of Campus Minstry and Student Senate President Ben Witt. The Grand Rapids event featured remarks by the Rev. Chris Pieters and Student Senate Executive Vice President Ann Marie Klotz.
Both sites featured carillon music, including Amazing Grace and God Bless America. In Allendale, music was provided by University Carillonneur Julianne Vanden Wyngaard. In Grand Rapids, the music was played by student carillonneur Jason Buckley.
In addition to the noon events in Allendale and Grand Rapids, a prayer vigil was also conducted at the GVSU Meijer Campus in Holland; students, faculty and staff at that campus were invited to meet at the flagpole near the front door at noon.
Candlelight services were held Friday in Allendale at the Cook Carillon Tower.
Highlights of the services were broadcast on WGVU/WGVK-TV Sunday.
