Brandeis commemorated the two-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks last Thursday.Those in attendance were presented with a host of options to express their feelings, memorialize the victims and reflect on the effects of the day.

At 8:46 a.m., when the first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York, a group of approximately 80 students and staff gathered outside the main library for a moment of silence.

"I felt it was important that we should join the rest of America in honoring the victims of that day in this moment. It's something we should do every year to remember the people who died," said Leonard Pader '05, who organized the event.

As the event ended, many students headed to the Shapiro Campus Center to light votive candles and decorate commemorative tiles, which are scheduled to be sent to a memorial tableau in New York.

This program was on display throughout the day and allowed students and staff to express their feelings on a more private level.

"Grief and sadness are very personal things," said Alwina Bennett, assistant dean of Student Life, upon commenting on the importance of offering this type of outlet. "We offered a variety of opportunities for people to get in touch with their emotions."

Some students, however, did not believe this program to be completely successful.

"I think lighting candles is good on one level, in that it allows the common person to take part in a common effort and think about what really happened. But I'm not sure if it really worked. Candles are overdone. But I thought the tiles were great because they allow people to turn thoughts into something tangible," said Kevin Corbin (Grad).

Later on, a theatrical performance titled, "Bystander 9/11," was shown in the Shapiro Theatre, attracting over 100 people. The play, written by Meron Langsner (Grad), is based on his experience when emerging from a subway on Sept. 11.

Langsner, like many others, expressed reluctance when broaching the subject of Sept. 11.

"Having been there and having a near-death experience, there are times you want to remember and there are times you want to forget. You just don't want overkill," Langsner said.

This is the second year Langsner has shown his play at Brandeis to promote a "communal remembrance," as one of the play's actresses Angie Jepson (Grad) said. This year, however, Langsner was approached by Bennett, who organized the second annual showing of the play.

Shortly after at 9 p.m., a vigil was held on Chapel's Field, which lasted well over two hours. Standing in a tightly formed circle, students shared their personal thoughts on the day. Many cried and hugged friends as they fought the pain that remembering often brings.

Students spoke of the variety of emotions they experienced throughout the day. "Last year I had a really hard time with it, but this year it felt like a normal day and I felt OK. But then I started to talk about the day and what it was like to relive the nightmare," said Rachel Pressler '04.

Lauren Abromowitz '07 agreed. "It's only two years, but I can remember it like it was yesterday. Someone said to me this morning, 'It's hard to remember, huh?' and I said, 'No, it's hard to forget.'"

Students from the Washington, D.C. area were careful to make sure the commemoration wasn't limited to New York. "Remember the victims of the Pentagon and the people of Flight 93," remarked Barney Bren '07.

As the vigil came to a close, many students spoke of their gratitude for having a place to express their emotions. "This is my first year not in New York City and all I wanted to do was go home. But I want to thank the people not from New York that are here tonight," said Martine Katz-Rajmil '07.

George Davis '07, who was at school four blocks from the World Trade Center when the planes hit, added, "Thank you all for being here to talk. I like talking because it makes me feel better."

Bennett was very satisfied with the events of the day, on the whole. "I worried that we weren't doing enough, but I think we did the right amount. It was accessible to students and staff, but not in your face," she said.

Pressler offered a student's perspective saying, "I'm happy about the support Brandeis has given this year. It's not something we can ever let go of, but we have to keep on going.