9/11 remembrance and prayers for peace continue at Duquesne University

I spent the long weekend up in Shanksville, covering the dedication of the new Flight 93 National Memorial and the service of remembrance for those who died fighting the terrorists. If you have never been to the Shanksville crash site: GO. It’s not far away, not hard to find (the route from the Somerset exit of the turnpike is clearly marked). Few places in this country will do as much to help your focus and reflect on what is most important in life.

Clearly 9/11 is not a day to celebrate. But if you appreciated the mood of reflection and the effort by some leaders to heal the partisan wounds in our land, you may want to join in the rest of the 9/11 memorial events that will continue through Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Duquesne University in Uptown, Pittsburgh.

“11 Days of Peace” began on Sept. 11 and the ending date was chosen, not only for the significance of 11 days, but because Sept. 21 is the

day that the United Nations designates the International Day of Peace.

Displays about peaceful conflict resolution will be on display in Duquesne’s Gumberg Library. It’s a topic close to Duquesne’s heart. Back in the 1990s the university sponsored a groundbreaking symposium featuring African bishops and other church leaders who were involved in bringing peaceful resolutions to African conflicts.

On Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m., the documentary “Tony,” about child soldiers in Uganda, will be screened in the Power Center ballroom.

The public is invited to participate in a 24-hour peace vigil from midnight Tues. Sept. 20 to midnight Wed. Sept. 21 in St. Benedict the Moor parish at Centre Avenue and Crawford Street. (That’s the church with the large statue of St. Benedict atop the steeple, that stands above the Civic Arena). The church will be open around the clock for the vigil. During the vigil there will be a 7 p.m. flag ceremony and prayer service at Freedom Corner, which is across the street from the church.