NEW YORK, NY — A Polk State College professor performed at Ground Zero in New York City on Friday morning as the nation commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
According to Polk State College, Professor Ben Pila was part of the musical lineup performing at the 9/11 Memorial, located at the former World Trade Center site. For most of the day, the ceremony was reserved for families of those who lost their lives in the attacks.
Pila teaches Humanities and Classical Guitar at Polk State and has performed at the 9/11 Memorial multiple times. He has also performed at Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and during Pope Francis’ inaugural visit to the United States.
“Having the opportunity to play music at a place that has so much meaning is an incredibly humbling experience,” Pila said. “I hope that, in some small way, the music provided comfort to those who continue to carry the memories of their loved ones.”
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the September 11 attacks in New York, at the Pentagon and aboard United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.
For the Polk County community, having one of its own take part in such a significant national remembrance is a meaningful point of pride, with Pila representing Polk State and the broader community at Ground Zero on this solemn anniversary.
SOURCE: POLK STATE COLLEGE
