Malvern Prep Remembers September 11

On the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the Twin Towers, the Malvern Prep Community, local firefighters, and first responders gathered for a prayer service to remember those who lost their lives and honor the courage and sacrifice of those who responded.

Dr. Patrick Sillup, Head of School, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the importance of remembering September 11, even for students who were not yet alive when the attacks occurred. He shared that gathering as a community provides an opportunity to remember, pray, and seek to understand an event that continues to shape our nation and the world.

Dr. Joseph Oechsle, a former Malvern Prep faculty member, spoke about the importance of brotherhood not only within the Malvern Prep Community but also among the firefighters, first responders, and all those who served our country and communities on that fateful day 25 years ago.

Dr. Oechsle reminded the students, “Please cherish the brotherhood that you are creating here. You will discover it will be the most important legacy that you take with you … the whole world was never as united in sympathy and in appreciating the brotherhood of all mankind than on September 12, 2001.”

Vincent Sindoni ’27 shared in his reflection, “There is a quote from St. Augustine that says, 'Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage; anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.’ All the people affected by 9/11 were angry at the events that happened, but after their anger came their courage to rebuild and grow stronger in the face of adversity.”

Twenty-five years later, the Malvern Prep Community continues to remember September 11 through prayer, reflection, and, most importantly, a commitment to brotherhood and service.