The Sept. 11 bombings were a horrific event that is still fresh on everyone's mind. Those with loved ones that are in the service, whether on active duty or in the reserves, are especially nervous and frightened about what is going on with the threat of terrorism still looming in the air. To help calm the fears and unite military personnel and the UM-St. Louis community, a prayer service was held Oct. 17 at the MSC building.
The United Prayer Service came about with the help of many organizations and one determined young man with excellent manners. "I decided to bring this event together because my sister was crying and wondering if I was going to be activated and go overseas. My family was also distressed about the events. I also have friends in the military that were activated and had to go off to war," said Korey Winslow, a Senior Airman National Guard and a UM-St. Louis junior.
Winslow is also the program director for the UM-St. Louis National Society of Black Engineers. NSBE is one of the groups that also helped with the prayer service.
Winslow got help from everyone in the UM-St. Louis community. "I received some help from Parker Denny, and Student Activities. The Interfaith people helped with the candles (that were lit during the prayer service) and the programs. I also received help from the Ahmadi Muslim Student Association; they got the preacher, Mahir Ahmad, who spoke in the ceremony. Ahmad turned out to be the father of the president of AMSA.
Winslow wanted the Muslim representation so that people would be aware that Muslims weren't the enemy. "I felt that the Muslim representation needed to be there. After all, I think we all want peace no matter what religion it is," commented Winslow.
The prayer service was also held to bring UM-St. Louis students together with the service men.
"A lot of people are torn between anti-war and how we should go to war. There are many airmen, service men who are very close to UMSL, and with their military background I thought we could come together and relieve some tension that many of us are feeling," said Winslow.
Winslow also talked about his feelings on Sept.11. "The bombings have really affected me. I am really upset that innocent people were affected. I think now different people are coming together. Also, the world really needs to understand that different colors, beliefs, ethnic background and other differences, makes this world a lot better."
A highlight of the prayer service was UM-St. Louis's gospel choir was present, and their songs helped boost the spirit of the crowd. Other faiths besides, Muslim were also represented in the prayer service. The opening prayer was led by Father Bill Kempf from the Catholic Newman Center. Another UM-Saint Louis familiar face was Rev. Roger Jesperson, from the Wesley Foundation. All the way from Washington University was Dena Sloan, who read from the Hebrew Testament. Sloan was from the St. Louis Hillel.
A Christian perspective was given by Melissa Ollendieck, Chaplain, in the Missouri Air National Guard. Olliendieck talked about the importance of music, truth, and kindness. "Melissa, is very special to me because she is the 239X Chaplain of my Guard. She gives the communication squad lots of support and gives the group unit words of encouragement,"said Wilson.
One of the more moving speeches of the night was when the Muslim father, Manir Ahmad spoke. "My Dad fought in World War I and when I turned eighteen, and I had to fight in World War II, I asked him for his advice. My Dad said to,' take your orders, do the right thing, do a good job, and obey'. I listened to my Dad's advice and I made it back home. When the bus dropped me off in my small hometown after the War, I was so happy to see my parents," said Ahmad.
Winslow also talked about his father's advice to him when he was a young man and inquired about fighting in a war. "My Dad joined the military and I wanted to as well. My Dad said that, 'war isn't glorious. ' My Dad quoted an American President who said,' that a piece of libery was worth eternal viligant."
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