The St. George campus remembered the earth-shaking events of one year ago in many ways — echoing the many voices of U of T students. But the events contained a common message: peace and hope.

A service of remembrance was held at the Great Hall at Hart House in commemoration of the events of September 11. The memorial was a multi-faith community service of music, reflection and prayer.

“International relations have made an impact on U of T because of how we are viewed by those in society who look at us for leadership and understanding. U of T and the values we up hold are vital pillars of our democracy, and we must exercise this on our own campus,” said President Robert Birgeneau.

The ceremony marked the anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. It was an event to promote recollection, peace, and learning how to listen to each other in order to achieve hope.

Selections from the Yizkor Service and from the Qu’ran were read, by members from the Wolfond Centre for Jewish Campus Life and from the Muslim chaplain. Prayer was given by Hindu chaplin Swami Pramathandu and by Buddhist chaplains Venerable Man Long and Venerable Miao Hsin

“September 11 will be etched in our hearts about the horror man can inflict on one another. Our past need not be our future,” said Imam Abdul Hai Patel, Muslim chaplain.

Those who sat through the service, who felt a close bond to the events that happened a year ago, shed tears.

“Tears of those shed at Ground Zero are no different than ours. The victims are a lot like me, their families are a lot like ours. We can only hope for transformation,” said Rev. John Beach, an Anglican chaplain at Trinity College.

Mia Laakso, a U of T student, said “An event like this provides some multi-faith prospective for hope and peace, and provides remembrance for those who died so senselessly.”

“We need to figure out what we need to do. We are all affected by this, and politically we see that,” said Cheriana Hanson, orientation coordinator for SAC.

Dusk brought together a group of students who lit candles and raised money for the International Red Cross in front of the Koffler Centre. More than a hundred students gathered to listen to gospel and jazz choirs.

Lama Maani and Jonah Klimack organized the event.

“Both of us approached SAC and Student Affairs to light a candle for peace,” Maani said.

“We heard that so many people around the world were doing something like this, so we wanted to do this in Toronto,” she added.

Some people just donated money. Others lit candles and listened to the music.

“The reaction to violence should not be violence and discrimination,” Maani said. “Things like this should constantly be held.”