Remembering September 11: 25 Years Later

Today, Roberts Wesleyan University joins communities across the nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who responded.

Twenty-five years later, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, the families whose lives were forever changed, and the first responders, volunteers, and service members who stepped forward in the days, months, and years that followed.

As a Christ-centered community, we pause today to remember and pray. We pray for those who continue to carry the weight of loss, for the families remembering loved ones, and for all whose lives were forever changed by September 11.

“God is our refuge and strength.” — Psalm 46:1

In the midst of unimaginable tragedy, people responded with courage, compassion, and a willingness to serve. One of those individuals was a member of the Roberts community.

A Roberts Alumnus Called to Serve

Khamkay “Kai” Chitaphong ’97, ’02 earned his bachelor's degree in psychology and master's degree in social work from Roberts Wesleyan.

At the time of the attacks, Kai was working as a social worker and program therapist with Unity Health System. In the aftermath of September 11, he felt called to help. Kai joined The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Response efforts and traveled to New York City, where he served near Ground Zero, supporting those affected by the tragedy.

Twenty-five years later, Kai still remembers that experience.

“Every year on 9/11, I take the time to pray for this country, and I take it easy in the morning to reflect. I can still vividly remember being near Ground Zero, talking to the courageous men and women going through the rubble, and supporting family members who lost a loved one.”

Kai shared that he later joined the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq twice. Those experiences, he says, have continued to shape his life.

“These experiences have forever shaped me, good and bad. I continue to be proud of my service and grateful to this great country that has given me and my family more than I could have ever imagined.”

Kai's story is one of many stories of service that emerged from a day of tremendous loss. His willingness to step forward and care for others reflects values that remain at the heart of the Roberts community: faith, compassion, and service.

We Remember and We Pray

Twenty-five years later, September 11 remains a day to remember those whose lives were taken too soon and the families who continue to carry their memory.

We honor the first responders who ran toward danger, the volunteers who answered the call to help, and the service members who sacrificed in the years that followed.

As a community of faith, we pray for comfort for those who grieve, for peace in our communities and throughout our world, and for the courage to continue loving and serving our neighbors.

May we carry the memory of September 11 forward not only in our words, but in the way we live—with faith, compassion, courage, and a willingness to serve others.

We remember. We pray. We will never forget.