American Catholic History Classroom > Exhibits > The Tower: Its First Century > National Events

National Events

While the Tower’s focus has been on campus events, student journalists could not ignore the world around them. When national events occurred, the Tower was there to contextualize those events on campus. They reported on campus responses, showing the community coming together to both understand and act in the aftermath of national tragedies.

A Tower article depicting CatholicU's response to Pearl Harbor. The caption reads "Catholic University Receives War News Calmly."

December 12, 1941 Tower

The campus response to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entry into World War II.

The Flying Cardinal, 1944

The 'Flying Cardinal' was a plane purchased through the sale of war bonds at Catholic University. The goal was to raise $75,000, enough to purchase a p-38 pursuit plane in the university's name. Fundraising began in September of 1943, and by February of the following year, the school had succeeded its goal, and the plane was on the way to becoming a reality.

The Tower issue reporting on 9/11: the way it impacted CatholicU and the way CatholicU responded to it.

September 14, 2001 Tower

Reporting on the immediate impact of the 9/11 attacks on the campus community.

9/11 Candlelight Vigil, 2001

A photo of the September 11, 2001 candlelight vigil organized by CatholicU Campus Ministry.