What's Happening?
Syracuse University has commenced its 38th annual Remembrance Week, a series of events dedicated to honoring the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. The week-long commemoration, organized by current Remembrance Scholars and Lockerbie Fellows, began
on Sunday with a livestreamed candlelight vigil at Hendricks Chapel, featuring speakers and performances. A central display, '35 Empty Seats,' is set up on the Shaw Quadrangle throughout the week, symbolizing the 270 individuals, including 35 Syracuse University students, who perished in the 1988 tragedy. The university's buildings, including Hendricks Chapel, the Hall of Languages, and the JMA Wireless Dome, will be illuminated in blue to mark the occasion. Additionally, Bird Library is hosting a temporary exhibition of materials from the Pan Am Flight 103/Lockerbie Air Disaster archives, focusing on the sculpture 'Dark Elegy' by Suse Lowenstein, whose son was a victim.
Why It's Important?
Remembrance Week serves as a crucial annual event for Syracuse University and the broader community, aiming to raise awareness about terrorism and ensure the victims of the Pan Am 103 bombing are not forgotten. The events foster a sense of collective memory and provide a platform for reflection on the impact of such tragedies. For the Remembrance Scholars and Lockerbie Fellows, it is an opportunity to engage in educational and outreach activities, translating historical loss into present-day positive action. The week reinforces the university's commitment to remembering its past and educating future generations about the consequences of terrorism, while also highlighting the resilience and dedication of those who work to keep the memory of the victims alive.
What's Next?
The remainder of Remembrance Week includes several key events. On Wednesday, Remembrance Scholars will sit in the '35 Empty Seats' display for 25 minutes, followed by a screening of the Netflix series 'The Bombing of Pan Am 103.' Thursday will feature the Act Forward Symposium, where scholars will present their plans for community benefit through outreach, research, education, and creative projects, followed by Lockerbie Fellows sharing their personal experiences. The week culminates on Friday with the Rose Laying Ceremony at the memorial wall in front of the Hall of Languages, where scholars and fellows will lay roses and stones. This will be followed by the Remembrance Scholar Convocation at Hendricks Chapel, honoring their achievements. The Remembrance Quilt Display will also be open to the public at Hendricks Chapel throughout the week.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate commemorative events, Remembrance Week at Syracuse University embodies a deeper commitment to education and social responsibility. The involvement of Remembrance Scholars and Lockerbie Fellows, who are selected for their academic merit and commitment to service, ensures that the legacy of the Pan Am 103 bombing continues to inspire future leaders. The week's focus on 'acting forward' encourages participants to transform grief into proactive efforts against terrorism and for community betterment. This sustained engagement with a historical tragedy highlights the university's role not just as an academic institution, but as a custodian of memory and a promoter of peace and understanding in the face of global challenges. The ongoing exhibitions and displays also serve as a permanent educational resource, ensuring that the lessons from the past remain relevant.
