Students and faculty commemorate 9/11

September 11, 2015 | American Studies Institute

On Sept. 10, Harding students and faculty paid homage to the events of 9/11 through a memorial display by placing 3,031 flags on the campus’s front lawn.

Members from the Pi Sigma Alpha and American Studies Institute organizations rallied together to honor the victims from that day. Flags from each state were included among a sea of American flags.

“It’s surreal to realize that each of these flags represents a life,” senior ASI officer Brent Hall said. “So it’s our hope that each flag seen is a life remembered and a life honored.”

When asked what he remembers about this day, freshman Dylan McKain, who had not yet started school, said that he remembered coming into the living room only to find his mother in tears.

“I didn’t understand what happened because I was little, but I knew it was bad,” McKain said. “I knew I didn’t like seeing my mother like that. I gave her a big hug and went on my way.”

Harding students and faculty have preformed this ceremony of remembrance every year since 2002, the first anniversary of the attacks. Students recognize that it is increasingly more important every year to recall the events of 9/11, honoring those whose lives were lost and those who sacrificed to help others on that tragic day.

“Remembering our history, especially its darkest corners, is part of who we are as Americans,” senior ASI officer Claire Heffley said. “We honor those who have fallen and learn from the tragedies of our past. Moments like these make me proud of my country and all for which it stands.”