Like many others, I am deeply hurt by the recent tragedy and the heinous acts of Gerald Sandusky.
I constantly think about the victims of this tragedy and wonder how they may begin their healing. I believe a memorial should be constructed at Beaver Stadium.
Not because this is a perceived football scandal, but instead since it receives the most visitors to Penn State each year.
As part of this memorial, I believe Penn State should construct a wall along with a reflecting pond.
The wall should state the university's failure in protecting children, while the pond serves three purposes.
The first purpose of the pond should symbolize the tears of those affected by child abuse. The second purpose is to reflect on our failures to protect the innocent so that history may never be repeated.
Lastly, I would like to see the pond function as a makeshift "wishing well" for visitors to deposit coins on gamedays.
These coins will symbolize the wish of the students, alumni, and all game attendees to stop child abuse.
The coins should then be donated after each game to a charity that assists in preventing child abuse.
The way I see it, if every attendee places a quarter in the pond, the university can donate $25,000 to charity at each home game.
A?text for the wall could read:
"In 2011, Penn State learned of its failure to protect innocent children from the heinous acts of one. The university recognizes this failure, and is resolved to never let it happen again.
"This reflecting pond symbolizes the tears shed by those affected by child abuse along with a chance for the University to reflect on its failure. Penn State cannot undo what has been done, but it can try to assist in the healing.
"For those who are able, please deposit a few coins to assist with the continued fight against child abuse. Along with your coins, please cast a wish so that no child may ever have to feel the pain of abuse.
"We are Penn State, and we are deeply sorry."
Jesse Holtslander, Falls Church, VA
