Lost lives remembered during 9/11 ceremony

On Sept. 11, the College Republicans hosted a memorial service in the quad to honor of all the lives lost during the terrorist attacks seven years ago. There were 2,977 American flags placed in the ground to honor each person who lost their lives in the attacks.

The cost of the flags was $400. The College Republicans are paying for half and USA Today, who agreed to sponsor the event after talking with the group's advisors, covered the other half.

Laura Wilhelm, a 20-year-old junior political science major and vice-president of College Republicans, said the group decided to have the event because in previous years, the day was somewhat ignored.

"Last year there were posters and things, but it didn't seem to be enough," Wilhelm said.

Ryan McGregor, a 21-year-old political science major and president of College Republicans, agreed with Wilhelm.

"This is my senior year, and out of all the years I've been here no one has done anything to signify the tragedy," McGregor said. "Time has come to make an effort."

The ceremony started during common hour with a speech from McGregor.

"This tragedy reminded the world that life and our freedoms are more precious," McGregor said. "They can be taken away in a heartbeat."

The national anthem was played and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

After the anthem, McGregor delivered a 9/11 prayer.

McGregor ended the ceremony by saying all Americans should come together.

"Before we are republicans, before we are democrats, before we are anything, we are Americans," McGregor said.

Once the ceremony was completed, those in attendance left in silence.

Wilhelm said they decided that everyone should leave the memorial in silence instead of concluding it formally.

"We want it all to sink in and let it all wind down for itself," Wilhelm said.

President Robert Smith said he was very grateful that the College Republicans put the program together.

"This is a wonderful way to remember this day and remind us that freedom doesn't come without a price," Smith said.

Smith said the campus would always be reminded of Sept. 11 because of the memorial near Vincent Science Hall paid for by the SRU Class of '05, who were in their freshman year during the terrorist attacks.

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