The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: News

Media Credit: WAITES LASETER More than 100 students, faculty, staff, family and friends attended the annual University Candlelight Memorial, held at the Chapel on North Campus Tuesday night. The Chapel bell rung for each person in the community who passed away this year. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: WAITES LASETER [Click to enlarge]

The North Campus Chapel endures the noisy crowds of football Saturdays and the laughter of alumni weddings, but Tuesday it endured something almost unheard of - silence.

Only the faint chirping of birds and the click-clack of footsteps could be heard as the University Air Force ROTC presented the colors for the annual University Candlelight Memorial.

More than 100 students, faculty, family and friends gathered to remember University students, faculty and staff who passed away during the last academic year.

As several family members stood by with grim smiles, Hannah Hall, widow of University student Isaias Ramos, said she appreciated the memorial.

"I think it's great, UGA really meant a lot to [Ramos]," she said. "[The memorial] means a lot to his parents."

In his opening address, University President Michael Adams acknowledged the community's loss, offering his condolences to those whose lives had been touched by the 22 people memorialized during the service.

Adams also addressed the recent deaths of three Town & Gown Players.

"Our community has been struck somewhat hard in the last 72 hours," he said. "Right now we are hurting, so we weep and mourn ... In time, I know we will find the strength to laugh again."

Melissa Gartrell, daughter of late University Food Services worker Ruth Fleming, said she thought the service was somewhat valuable, even though it was difficult to remember her loss.

"It kind of makes you sad," she said.

As the ceremony continued, candles were lit for each of last year's deaths. While some fought tears as the flame was passed, the quiet was broken only by the toll of the Chapel bell, rung once for each who died.

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