CEU has commemorated the victims of terrorist attacks in an emotive
ceremony that brought together more than 20 CEU centres from all over Spain.
The date coincides with the European Day
of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism and the 20th anniversary of the 11M attacks; a day marked by remembrance
and respect for all victims who have suffered the ravages of terrorism, with
the educational institution urging everybody to reflect on the importance of
preserving their memory and the
commitment to truth, justice, and dignity.
In Madrid, at the
Universidad CEU San Pablo, classes were suspended at noon and all students and
faculty members at the two campuses were invited to join in paying tribute to
the memory of the victims of terrorism. At the Moncloa Campus, the Rector, Rosa Visiedo, and the Director of the
CEU Observatory for Victims of Terrorism, María
San Gil, presided over the simple yet moving ceremony in which two students
laid a wreath, the Lord’s Prayer was recited, a declaration was read and a
respectful minute's silence was observed, ending with a warm round of applause.
This same ceremony was repeated in Madrid at the Montepríncipe
Campus, at CEU San Pablo Sanchinarro, Claudio Coello, and Montepríncipe
Schools, at Vniversitas Senioribvs, and at the headquarters of the San Pablo
CEU University Foundation. The centres in Valencia, Elche, Seville, Barcelona,
Vigo, Murcia and Alicante held the same commemoration service with over 20,000
people in more than 20 CEU centres nationwide participating. This event is
intended to be held annually, reflecting the institution's commitment to the
victims of terrorism.
Classroom activities were suspended in order to reflect the
educational institution's commitment and respect for the memory and recognition
of those who have suffered terrorist violence. CEU called on its entire
educational community and society in general to join in this moment of
reflection and solidarity.
Through the declaration drafted for the occasion, CEU appeals to
all Spanish public institutions to address the claims of terrorism victims and
to pursue judicial action against any acts of terrorist glorification or
humiliation of victims. At the same time, it calls for an end to the impunity
surrounding the more than 350 murders committed by the terrorist group ETA that
are still to be resolved.
Those with responsibilities in the education system are also called
upon to commit themselves to this task of learning about our country's most
recent history.
Outreach work
In its commitment to permanently honour the memory of the victims
of terrorism, CEU has undertaken a number of initiatives over the past two
decades to explain to young people in particular, the history of terrorism in
Spain and its victims. Talks are regularly given in its schools, seminars in
its universities, and eight international congresses have also been held. At
these events, it has been possible to hear the direct testimonies of those who
have suffered terrorist violence, with the aim of raising awareness about the
devastating consequences of these inhumane acts.
In this way, CEU has also stressed the importance of making future
generations of Spaniards aware of the courageous role played by these victims
in their struggle for a better country and that the reasons why they were
killed be known. The Fundación Universitaria San Pablo CEU has also created a CEU Observatory of Victims of Terrorism
to prevent the tragic history of terrorism and its consequences from being
forgotten. Among other initiatives, it has developed the "What is
terrorism for you? Awards" for first year Baccalaureate students in its
ten schools.