Almost a decade later, the date 9/11 resurrects emotions and memories and is honored in memorial services across the country.
To represent the lives taken on 9/11, 2,976 miniature American flags covered the ground in front of Eaton Humanities, waving from 8 p.m. on September 10 to 7 p.m. on September 11. The memorial, called the 9/11 Flag Memorial, is hosted by the College Republicans and College Democrats and provided students an outlet to remember 9/11.
CU students reflected on their memories of the day.
“What I will never forget is watching the film of the airplanes hitting the towers over and over again and just imagining the chaos inside them,” said Kaila Anderson, an 18-year-old freshman and MCD biology major.
Gregory Carlson, a 21-year-old senior math, economics and political science major and president of the College Republicans, said he was happy to receive help from the College Democrats with setting up the event.
“We actually were excited because we had several College Democrats help set up the demonstration,” Carlson said.
Beau Bakley, a 20-year-old junior environmental studies major, said she believes there is a necessity for a more widespread commemoration.
“I like the memorial services set up, but yes, I think everybody should be involved,” Bakley said.
Other students however, said that they feel CU adequately honors 9/11 through the 9/11 Flag Memorial.
“I feel that CU does enough as a school to show remembrance of 9/11,” Anderson said. “I believe if a student wants to show more support and remembrance they will be able to find it other places.”
On the national scene this year in commemoration, a memorial service was held at the pentagon at which President Barack Obama contributed. Vice-President Joe Biden attended tributes in New York City, and both first lady Michelle Obama and former first lady Laura Bush attended services in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
“I thought it must seem some days the world has moved on to other things,” Obama said in his speech at the Pentagon on 9/11. “I say to you today, that your loved ones endure in the heart of our nation now and forever.”
Blakely said the lives of her and her family members have never been the same since 9/11.
“It did change me,” she said. “My brother joined the army shortly after 9/11, he has done a couple tours now … I definitely was more proud than ever to be an American.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Devon Barrow at Devon.barrow@colorado.edu
