Eleven Years Later, Cultural Vistas Remembers
With the eleventh anniversary of September 11, 2001 upon us, we have an opportunity to remember and reflect.
Those shocking and awful events impacted us all in different ways. Many of us lost someone special or know people who lost a loved one or friend. We were no exception.
One of our exchange participants, Leanne M. Whiteside, a 31-year old from Melbourne, Australia, on her second day of work as a J-1 Trainee with Aon Risk Services, located on the 104th floor of Two World Trade Center, sadly died in the attack. The victims, their families, friends, and co-workers continue to be in our hearts.
Over the past decade, I believe we have risen above those terrible events and forged forward with renewed insight, vigor and determination.
As we look to the future as an organization, we are reminded that part of our mission is to create new and dynamic ways to foster cultural understanding and diplomacy.
We do this through the many programs we administer for American and international participants around the world; bringing together different cultures, helping build new friendships and alliances - one person at a time.
The tragic events of eleven years ago and other subsequent attacks and conflicts around the world make such endeavors that much more important.
Through our programs, we continue to support Senator Fulbright’s vision of exchange as a means “to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs and thereby to increase the chance that nations will learn to at last live in peace and friendship.”
As we remember and reflect on this important date, and continue to honor those who were affected, our commitment to make the world a better and safer place is renewed.
Rob Fenstermacher
President & CEO
Looking for a way to carry on the legacy of those who were lost on that day? 9/11 Day is a movement to annually observe September 11 as a day of service and doing good deeds.
It provides a positive way to forever remember and pay tribute to the victims, honor those that rose in service in response to the attacks, and remind others of the importance of working more closely together in peace to improve our world. Learn more at 911day.org.
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