Excerpt from a letter to
President Brennan
from Senator Brian D. Langley (Ellsworth, Maine)
We are mariners; those of us who sail on ships
Dear Bill,
know that while the sea is to be respected, the sea
"isnottobefeared.Thatiswhywetrain,thatis
...You and I spend a lot of time talking
why we prepare, that is why we exercise prudence
"
about the differences between our public
and maintain a hand for our self and one for our
institutions of higher education. The
vessel. That is why we look out for our shipmates
effect on past and present students, faculty
and why we help each other and support one
and families from the recent loss of your
another now and forever.
graduates is yet another example of what
makes MMA so unique. The brotherhood
Dr. William J. Brennan, Vigil of Hope, Oct. 6
that is created at MMA that lasts a life-
time, is rare, and is envied by your coun-
terparts in higher education. Because of
that bond, the tragic loss of life thousands
of miles away feels as if it happened in the
All, stand beside those who sail
"
harbor in Castine. The potential of loss of
Our merchant ships in storm and gale,
"
life at sea makes the training you provide
In peace and war their watch they keep
so important because it is indeed life or
On every sea, on thy vast deep.
death on the high seas.
Be with them, by night and day,
Please know that thoughts and prayers are
For Merchant Mariners we pray.
with you and the MMA community.
From an unknown source, read
Warmest Regards,
by Midshipman Edson Ma, president
Brian
of the MMA Student Government
Association, Vigil of Hope, Oct. 6
Reprint of letter to
President Brennan
from David A. Greene, President, Colby College
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
Dear Dr. Brennan:
the flood may bear me far,
"
"
On behalf of the entire Colby community,
I hope to see my Pilot face-to-face
I write to express our deepest sympathies
when I have crossed the bar.
for the loss of Maine Maritime Academy
From "CROSSING the BAR" by Alfred, Lord Ten-
alumni Mike Davidson, Danielle Ran-
nyson, 1889, shared by mma faculty member
dolph, Mitchell Kuflik, Mike Holland,
Stephen SanFillipo
and Dylan Meklin.
One of the greatest gifts of being a presi-
dent of an institution like MMA or Colby
is being part of a close-knit community of
people dedicated to scholarship, service,
and each other. One of the most difficult
and important responsibilities we face as
23° 22' 52" N
a president is supporting that community
during times of tragedy and loss. Your
message of compassion, perseverance, and
73° 54' 51" W
courage has been heard well beyond your
campus.
Please know that if I can be of any assis-
remembering
tance to you during this difficult time, I
stand ready to help in any way I can.
With sympathy,
el faro
David A. Greene, President
Above reprinted with permissions.

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