The resonating toll of the bells from Crouse College’s tower cut through the silence of the crowd gathered at the newly renovated Place of Remembrance at precisely 2:03 p.m.

It was the exact time that Pan Am 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland on Dec. 21, 1988.

The explosion killed 270 people, including 35 students returning from Syracuse University’s study abroad programs and 11 Lockerbie residents killed on the ground.

Ringing exactly 35 times for each of the students who fell victim to the horrific act of terrorism, the centerpiece event for SU’s Remembrance Week commenced.

In two rows, 35 Syracuse University Remembrance Scholarship recipients, one for each victim of the bombing, carried single white roses and walked toward the crowd and the Wall of Remembrance.

Each of the scholars represented a specific student and, prior to placing their rose on the wall, each said a few words about the person he or she represented.

“We all dream the same wild and unimaginable dreams,” said Remembrance Scholar Amanda Balch. “In looking back, we harvest a connection that cannot be described.”

This year’s message, “Look back, act forward,” was a clear theme throughout the ceremony. Each scholar finished his or her speech by saying they would look back on the victim’s memory, and act forward in their honor.

The 35 white roses stretched across the wall as a stark reminder of the tragedy, but also as a symbol of hope.

“All things work together for good,” said Remembrance Scholar Alise Fisher. “In light of the tragedy it is up to us as a generation to create peace and tolerance in this world.”

Remembrance Scholar Natascha Trellinger said she feels “content knowing that the lives of these students are still so influential, and that Syracuse is keeping their memories alive for us all to learn from.”

She said she was honored to be part of such a ceremony and feels she has a strong connection with the victim she represented, Luanne Rogers, a Maryland Arts student.

“She was my age when she died and had the same love of travel,” she said. “Something like this will always keep me bonded to Syracuse; I will never forget this experience.”

As Remembrance Week’s motto would imply, the focus of the ceremony shifted from remembering the lives of those who were killed, to the hope that the current generation of SU and Lockerbie students holds.

Claire Dorrance, one of two Lockerbie Scholars, said her father was the first and youngest on the scene.

“It was such a big loss for the town and the pain can still be felt today,” she said.

She described the connection between SU and Lockerbie as something treasured by all the members of her community, and said she is honored to be at the university.

In her closing speech, Dorrance said it is the job of the current generation to work toward peace and build tolerance.

Said Dorrance: “While the tragedy haunts the hearts of many, looking back motivates us to move forward.”

Published on October 27, 2012 at 1:14 pm

Contact Erin: erkelly@syr.edu