Riverside, Calif., October, 2001-- As they began the fall term, La Sierra University students showed their national solidarity and cultural diversity by decorating every tree of hundreds in their campus arboretum ("tree museum") with patriotic ribbons and the release of 50 doves on Tuesday, September 25 at noon.

White and doves are symbols of peace and freedom, says Ralph Martinez, director of Special Events at La Sierra. In addition, to Christians, they symbolize purity and the Holy Spirit. Trees all over the campus have been decked in patriotic-colored ribbons, but the predominant color is white.

Trees all over the campus were decorated with ribbons to show La Sierra's love of peace, and its patriotic spirit.

Representatives of the Riverside Fire Department Station 8 performed a flag exchange, retiring the smaller four year-old flag, and installing a new, 12- by 18-foot "Old Glory." The thousands of people who were affected by the tragedies of September 11, were remembered in moments of silence, and during the playing of "Taps."

In 14 languages, La Sierra University students and staff recited the prayer: "Lord, today we thank you for your love, your peace, your protection, and your comfort. Amen." The languages spoken were: English, Portuguese, Italian, Swedish, Chinese, German, Indian (Tamil?), Danish, Tagalog, Russian, French, Korean, Spanish, and Arabic. During the prayer, firefighters stood by with helmets doffed in respect.

After the prayer, University president Lawrence T. Geraty spoke to the assembled students and faculty. He said that their presence at the ceremony signified several things. "We pray to God for the victims of terrorism and raise the flag as patriots in support of the liberties and freedoms most of us have found in this country, just as we have tied white ribbons to the trees to represent to God our longings for peace and purity, but also tied red, white, and blue ribbons to other trees to represent our thankfulness for the privilege of living in a country that at its best, provides all its citizens liberty and justice, as well as peace."

"In a ceremony like this," continued Geraty, "especially on a university campus, there is room for all views. We need each other. We need to listen and learn from each other. That is the essence of American freedom. No one is silenced. No one need fear rejection, discrimination, or harassment. Truth has many facets and as we look at each one, the whole truth will come into better focus."

Melissa Sajid, vocal performance and speech pathology student, sang "God Bless America," accompanied by Elvin Rodriguez, EdD, professor of music. "The Star-Spangled Banner" was sung by Christian contemporary artist (and La Sierra alumna) Patty Cabrera.

KNBC-TV4 sent a correspondent to cover the event, as did the Riverside Press-Enterprise newspaper.

Students and faculty sing The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem.

La Sierra University is home for students and faculty from more than 80 countries around the globe. Although the university and 97 percent of its faculty are affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, its student body of 1550 carries a broad spectrum of religious beliefs, races, and cultures. Sensitivity to, and even celebration of, those beliefs and cultures is reflected in the university's motto: "From Diversity, Community."

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by Christy Robinson