Over 1,000 people of all faiths and backgrounds attended last Sunday’s Interfaith Memorial in Music, commemorating the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.The event, which included musical selections from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist sources, was sponsored by the Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls and the Michael and Barbara Newmark Institute for Human Relations of the Jewish Community Relations Council, chaired by Rabbi Howard Kaplansky, Emeritus of United Hebrew Congregation.

Former U.S. Senator and former U.S. Ambassador John C. Danforth offered brief remarks, stressing the importance of restoring the spirit of unity and patriotism of the period just after the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and over Shanksville, Pa.

The program included presentation of the colors by the St. Louis County Pipes and Drums and the Honor Guard of the St. Louis Firefighters; the “Star Spangled Banner” sung by Detective Patrick Nigh of the St. Louis County Police, accompanied by Peter Martin.

The featured performer was Christine Brewer, the world-renowned soprano who resides in Lebanon, Ill., presented by the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, accompanied by Peter Martin.The program, which Michael Newmark described as “deeply moving and meaningful for the entire community,” concluded with Christine Brewer, along with the various musical groups from the different faith groups, joining the audience in singing “God Bless America.”