It was with great sadness that I read of the loss to the ODU family due to the recent attacks on the country [www.odu.edu/news, Sept. 14].

My heart goes out to all family and friends of the victims. We will never forget Sept. 11, and we must support our brothers and sisters in arms.

But let us also remember that ODU is a beacon of free speech, intellectual discourse and international relations. As students and alumni we must recall our lessons and remember that America is at its most beautiful when tolerance and justice prevail. Let us not scar this great nation by following the murderous low path taken by fanatical zealots.

Let us, instead, keep on the high road of righteousness, freedom and justice.

Please, let ODU shine as a beacon of justice and light in this time of blood-lust and darkness.

- Chuck Piotrowski '91
Santa Cruz, Calif.