Antelope Valley College remembers Sept. 11

"We must never forget the horror of such a tragic event," AVC President Daniel Larios said. "We must continue to be vigilant in our continued support of liberty and freedom for all. We must never forget what the price of freedom costs."

More than 200 people gathered at the flagpole adjacent to the administration building, many decked out in patriotic garb and wearing red, white and blue ribbons or flags.

"I just wanted to support the community in remembering Sept. 11," student Anna Cruz said. Cruz, who learned of the memorial event during a morning class, returned to campus to attend.

Students Amy Roth, Jenny Murawski and Nancy Lesiecki also were informed of the gathering by their instructors.

"It gave everybody a chance to think back," Roth said.

"It's good to get students involved and reflecting back," Murawski agreed.

Representatives of the Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths addressed the crowd, each bringing his or her own religious perspective to the significance of the day.

The American flag that flew at half-staff over the gathering carried special meaning. It was previously flown over Seeb Air Force Base in Oman, where an AVC adjunct nursing instructor, Air National Guard Capt. Sandi KittelShead, is stationed.

Kittel-Shead was sent overseas almost four months ago as a member of the 146th Air Evacuation Squadron. In that time, she has moved among several Middle Eastern nations, including Afghanistan, said her husband, John Shead.

She is scheduled to return home to Shead and their 8-year-old daughter, Nicole, in a week, "and we're ready," he said.

While her mom has been overseas, Nicole has kept in touch by writing letters.

"I talk about how much I miss her," she said.

Uploaded September 12, 2002