Benedictine Hosts Moving 9/11 Remembrance and “Stars & Stripes” Day
Benedictine College hosted two moving ceremonies back-to-back in mid-September, remembering the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and first responders on September 11 and honoring military personnel past and present during its “Stars and Stripes” Celebration on September 12.
9/11 Remembrance
On Friday, Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis reflected on the reality that college students today were not alive when the September 11 attacks occurred, making the remembrance even more important than ever. It was 25 years ago when terrorists highjacked four jetliners and turned them into massive bombs. Two jets crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, one crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and one crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back and didn’t allow it to reach its target, which is now presumed to have been the Capital Building. There were 2,977 innocent lives taken that day.
Hundreds of Benedictine College students, faculty and staff gathered around the flagpole in the center of campus to remember those victims and honor those who rushed to help. Numerous veterans were there, along with the Air Force ROTC, firemen, police officers and emergency medical technicians.
“When the ceremony is over, I want you to go thank those veterans, go thank those first responders for their service to our country,” said Minnis.
The crowd heard a wonderful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner by Benedictine freshman Anna Rziha as the Air Force Color Guard performed a proper flag ceremony, raising it quickly, then slowly lowering it to half-staff. Deacon Charles Welte, Director of Information Technology at the College, offered a prayer and gave a remembrance talk, having served as an Air Force captain in Washington, D.C. at the time of the attacks.
Welte remembered how the country was united in grief and resolve after the attacks, and is sad to see that 25 years later, we are more divided than ever.
“I do not want to look back 25 years from now and say, ‘we are even more divided as a nation,’” he said. “Make a difference this day. We need to get outside of ourselves. Reach out to someone, maybe it’s the guy or girl in your class that doesn’t seem to have any friends. All you have to do is smile and say hello. Introduce yourself. Maybe it’s the fraternal correction of someone who keeps making the wrong choices. Transformation starts with a decision, your decision to take action.”
Stars & Stripes Day
The following day, the college hosted the annual Stars and Stripes Day, which featured a halftime show with the Raven Dance Team, Raven Regiment Marching Band, the award ceremony, and commissioning.
Retired Marine Corps Major David Litkenhus received the St. Martin of Tours Award, named for the patron saint of soldiers. Litkenhus was a stand-out All-American basketball player at Benedictine College. When he graduated in 1994, he faced a defining choice between pursuing professional basketball or military service. He chose to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force. In 2000, he transitioned to the United States Marine Corps, commissioning as an officer.
Over a distinguished Marine career, he deployed multiple times to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was decorated for his leadership and valor under fire. During this time, he also led the Marine Corps Endurance Team Program, mentoring and training service members in elite-level athletic competitions. He has a robust skill set that includes counterterrorism, force protection, reconnaissance, tactics, security clearance and more. Litkenhus retired honorably from the Marine Corps in 2016.
Recent Benedictine College graduate and Air Force ROTC Cadet Paul Boever was commissioned into the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. His ceremony featured the oath, the pinning of his rank on his uniform, and the official first salute.
The Raven Regiment Marching Band put on a show featuring the anthems of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It all culminated with the dramatic unfurling of a huge, 60-foot American flag on the field. This was the college’s 19th recognition of active duty, reservist and veteran men and women in the U.S. military, as well as those killed or missing in action.
Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is honored to have received a top 10 ranking by U.S. News & World Report, to be ranked in the nation’s 10 most-recommended colleges by The Wall Street Journal, and named one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. Benedictine College is dedicated to Transforming Culture in America through its mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.
